Sex harassment and sexual assault in the workplace continue to occur at alarming frequency and severity. One of the most common myths about sex harassment and sexual assault is that they stem from merely overzealous admirers. Instead, the primary motivations behind such conduct are usually based upon the aggressor attempting to assert dominance and control through sexual intimidation, threats, and even violence. Many victims of sex harassment and sexual assault assume that coming forward and reporting such conduct will jeopardize their jobs or even their careers. However, the unfortunate reality of aggressors who engage in this behavior is that they often do not stop unless they are confronted and prevented from further harassing their victims.
Another common myth is that such conduct occurs less frequently than in the past. According to 2013 University of Michigan study, an estimated one out of every two women is sexually harassed during their working lives. Also, some employees assume that casual jokes, innuendo, and even overt advances of a sexual nature are simply part of a normal work environment. They are not. What's more, is that acquiescing to such conduct will often lead to additional harassment, and potentially more serious acts of harassment. Sex harassment can also place victims in more vulnerable positions and cause serious mental and emotional injuries, further impeding their growth and development in their careers and personal lives. Studies have shown that increasing acts of sex harassment correlate to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress; substance abuse; and eating disorders.
The good news is that sex harassment in the workplace is clearly unlawful and significant legal remedies and protections do exist to address such wrongful conduct. It is also illegal to retaliate against someone for reporting sex harassment at work, and if done properly will allow a victimized employee to retain their dignity and continue to move forward in their careers. Victimized employees also often think it is too late to complain, that reporting the conduct will do no good, or that complaining will result in a black mark on their records. These too are usually major misconceptions.
Contact Us For Help with Your Harassment Case
If you have been subjected to sex harassment or sexual assault in the workplace you can take action to save your career and your emotional well-being. Even more important, you may be preventing someone else from becoming a future victim. Please call The Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern, P.A. for a confidential interview and assessment, and let us work to protect your career and dignity.