What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome advance of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is usually based off the victimized party’s sex or gender. The range of behaviors exhibited in Sexual Harassment cases go from mild transgressions to actual abuse and assault. While the behaviors and motives of individual harassers vary, the fact remains that Sexual Harassment in any form and for any reason is a real legal issue with real victims and consequences.

Where Does Sexual Harassment Occur?

The advances of this nature occur in a wide range of behaviors, many of which are illegal, and can occur anywhere at any time. There can also be multiple offenders performing the harassment, and the harassment can take place in both public and private.  The harassment can be physical, psychological or both, including such behaviors as sexual abuse, bullying, stalking, groping, verbal abuse and sexual assault.  In the workplace, sexual harassment often shows itself as gender discrimination, and includes lowered pay based on gender and illegal employment discrimination.  Sexual Harassment can occur in same-sex situations.   

How Do You Identify Sexual Harassers?

The offending party can literally be anyone of either gender, be it a boss, business associate, neighbor, friend, person on the street or anyone else. Sexual Harassers may commit the act only once, or constantly.

Who Are Victims of Sexual Assault?               

Anyone within the vicinity of a Sexual Harassment situation can be considered a victim of that situation, whether they where the target or not.

What Are Some Effects for Victims of Sexual Harassment?

The effects of Sexual Harassment are far reaching, and enter every facet of the victim’s life. A  small number of the detrimental side-effects of sexual harassment include:

• Decreased work or school performance; increased absenteeism
• Loss of job or career, loss of income
• Having to drop courses due to sharing class with harasser or simply not being able to focus on studies, change academic plans, or even leave school altogether (loss of tuition, credits and possibly even chance at degree)
• Very public scrutiny of all assets of the victim’s private life, and cruel judgment of the victim’s character, such as suggesting the way the victim dresses invites such harassment
• Defamation of character and reputation
• Loss of trust in environments similar to where the harassment occurred
• Loss of trust in the types of people that occupy similar positions as the harasser or his or her colleagues
• Collapse of current relationship/marriage
• Support network abandoning victim as they ‘chose’ sides
• Having to relocate to another city, another job, or another school
• Loss of references/recommendations
• Depression, Panic Attacks, Constant State of Fear, Shame, Guilt, Anxiety, Sleeping Disorders, Eating Disorders and Struggles with Addiction

Conclusion

Sexual Harassment is a very real problem, with very real effects. If you feel you have been a victim in any way of Sexual harassment, do not hesitate to call a Employment Lawyer today to protect you and your rights.

• If you need help with an employment problem, click here for a Free Case Review from a local Employment Lawyer. The content of this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. Always seek competent legal counsel for any legal questions.