Sexual harassment; defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when either: The conduct is made as a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, living environment or participation in a University community.
There’s no company or work environment that’s immune to it. Unfortunately whenever there are both men and women; circumstances do not always remain professional. There’s no excuse or room for sexual harassment in the workplace environment. The very presence of this misconduct or any wrongdoing creates a hostile work environment for the victim and many other employees as well.
I have previously written about the deleterious health consequences of sexual harassment (7 Ways Sexual Harassment Can Harm Your Health). I have also written about the mental levels of stress, meticulously explaining the damaging effects suffered by the victim of sexual harassment. It seems obvious that no one under any circumstances should be subject to a hostile work environment, yet sexual harassment continues to be the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in American women.
In one study published by Time Magazine, an astounding 66% of female restaurant workers admitted to being sexually harassed. This study is just one of many; there has been a multitude of research conducted and made public to support a large number of stats on this topic.
Even though the subject of sexual harassment should be discussed much more in the workplace in an effort to bring awareness to it, it is not. It continues to be a matter which tends to be avoided as most employers tiptoe around heated topics such as this one.
Awareness is the key to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. If more employees recognized sexual harassment and understood the impending damages that it causes, then most would be less apt to turn their heads away as they watch those who sneak around committing unlawful acts within the work environment.
As an employee, it is your responsibility to do what you can, to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Removing the illegal act of sexual harassment helps to promote a peaceful work environment where both employers and their employees can thrive professionally. Are you looking to do your part to help?
Here are the five R’s to remember.
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Recognize:
It’s important to recognize sexual harassment. While sexual harassment does include unwanted sexual advances, touching and/or groping, it also consists of pornography, graphic images of men and/or women, naked or semi-naked, jokes of offensive or sexual nature.
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Remember your rights:
Being the victim does not only mean that the individual is the one being harassed. The victim could also be someone offended by the conduct of the harasser. Also, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for being in opposition of their unlawful employment practices.
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Report:
If you feel comfortable, you may confront the harasser and advise him or her that the conduct is offensive to you and you would like for it to end immediately. If you do not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, you may report the misconduct to a supervisor or the Human Resource Department. Many times the issue at hand can get resolved just by taking those simple actions.
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React to the situation:
By documenting the dates, times and names of those you contacted to report the incidents. This information is essential in building a case for taking additional action if necessary.
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Representation:
If your employer fails to make changes or resolve the issue, make certain to seek the legal representation of a competent attorney who can handle your case and fight for the justice you deserve. Our NYC sexual harassment and employment law attorneys fight to obtain compensation for those affected by sexual harassment and gender discrimination in New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia. The Sexual Harassment Attorneys at the employment law firm of Derek Smith Law Group offer a free consultation and take no fee unless we recover for you.
Why would anyone tolerate having sexual harassment imposed on him or her in the workplace? Every employee is entitled to work in a peaceful environment. They have rights that protect them from co-workers, supervisors and non-employees who choose to violate those laws. It doesn’t matter where you work, if you believe you have been the victim of New York City workplace sexual harassment or discrimination, our team of New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey sexual harassment lawyers strongly urge you to reach out to our law firm for a free consultation. You do not need to accept working in a hostile job environment. Our employment attorneys will work hard to fight for your rights and get you the justice that you deserve.
Call for a FREE Consultation with a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Contact us online schedule a free consultation. Our employment attorneys represent employees in New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Miami and take no fee unless we recover for you
