When Veterans Become Victims of Sexual Harassment

They fought and continue to fight for our country. They are the individuals, along with other military personnel who ensure we continue to live in the land of the free. It has been their duty to protect us. But when faced with sexual harassment, whose job is it to protect them?

Protecting veterans; both male and female from sexual harassment would be the responsibility of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. As the Department strives to do what it can, in an effort to prevent sexual harassment, it also seeks to comfort and assist in the healing process for all veterans who have been victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment.

When a veteran is in the military and subjected to sexual assault or sexual harassment, it’s referred to as Military Sexual Trauma (MST). They both involve an individual being forced against his or her will to perform those demands. While it is of equal importance to recognize both sexual assault and sexual harassment, for the purpose of this article, the focus will primarily be on the topic of sexual harassment.

Similar to workplace sexual harassment, MST doesn’t always involve a demand for sexual activities; it may be presented in the form of a request; very much like an exchange. This type of exchange for sexual activities is referred to as Quid Pro Quo.

Quid Pro Quo means this for that in Latin. It’s when the victim is pressured into an exchange of sexual activities to receive better treatment, securing a position, or a promotion. It also includes situations when the victim has the inability to consent to sexual activities (for example being under the influence of alcohol).

MST also involves unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted sexual grabbing, touching, threatening or offensive remarks about an individual’s body.

Both MST and workplace sexual harassment are illegal. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs is there to assist veterans with MST; yet victims of workplace sexual harassment are protected as well. While NY, NJ, and Philadelphia laws are strict when it comes to dealing with the harasser, it is still the ultimate responsibility for the victim to report the misconduct.

Don’t let your harasser get away with the abuse. If you have been the victim of NY, NJ, or PA workplace sexual harassment or discrimination, our team of New York City sexual harassment lawyers strongly urge you to reach out to our law firm for a free consultation at 800-807-2209. You do not need to accept working in a hostile job environment.

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About Derek Smith

Attorney Derek T. Smith is an experienced sexual harassment & discrimination law litigator who has particular experience in the areas of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, civil rights litigation, employment law and civil litigation.

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