As an employee in the modern workforce, it is important to note the difficulties that still plague workers every day. This includes sexual harassment, which continues to sweep the nation as a large-scale issue.
In addition to the possibility of assault, victims also experience non-physical sexual harassment, which often causes just as much damage without getting as much recognition.
Sexual harassment without assault
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission takes a look at sexual harassment in the modern workplace. Most people think about cases involving assault when they think of sexual harassment, but non-physical sexual harassment also occurs. Some experts believe it occurs on an even larger scale, too, but often goes underreported because victims do not realize they have experienced a form of sexual harassment.
Non-physical sexual harassment often includes salacious rumors based on the victim’s sex life, true or not. It can also include derogatory remarks made based on a victim’s sexuality or gender, i.e. a male employer telling their female co-worker to “get back to the kitchen”.
Use of threats or coercion
Other examples can include the use of coercion or threats in an attempt to get an employee to partake in sexual acts. Examples can include threatening to fire someone or offering a promotion or raise in exchange for sexual favors.
However, a person has a case for sexual harassment at work as long as they can show that the incident(s) in question created a toxic workplace environment that prevented them from accomplishing their job. The aid of an attorney can also come in handy when working to prepare a case or pursue compensation.
