When we go to work, we expect to be a part of a professional, appropriate, productive environment. The last thing on our minds is that we may become the victim of sexual harassment. To understand the repercussions of being a victim of this type of abuse, we must first understand what sexual harassment is. Sexual harassment can take many forms, from unwanted sexual advances to demands for sexual favors and other conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment can also be unfair treatment after the victim has either submitted to or rejected the unwelcome advances.
Sexually harassing conduct can consist of many things, such as sexual pranks, teasing, jokes, sexual innuendo, lewd comments, standing too close or brushing up against a person on an unusually regular basis or touching in a sexual way, just to name a few. If you find yourself in this situation, remember you are not alone; there are resources available to you, and you have rights.
When you are a victim of sexual harassment, it can cause confusion, embarrassment and stress, causing you to falter in all aspects of your life. Often, people are afraid to report sexual harassment for fear of repercussions, including fear of job loss. These concerns often give leaders an incredible amount of power and sometimes feelings of invincibility.
Seeking expert legal advice may be the best course of action if you are the victim of sexual harassment. You have rights, and there are legal professionals available to fight for those rights and represent you in a dignified way so that your rights are protected.
