In workplaces in New Jersey and across the United States, sexual harassment and the behavior involved is often misunderstood. There may be a perception that these behaviors are limited to men harassing women. However, that is a commonly mistaken belief. Sexual harassment can occur involving people of any gender.
Understanding the facts about different types of sexual harassment is important to recognize when it is happening and to take steps to put a stop to it. If it is quid pro quo, a person in a position of authority makes sexual advances and implies they must be accepted or face work-related consequences. For a hostile environment, the worker will be intimidated or be offended due to a co-worker’s actions. These can involve comments or sex-based acts such as bullying, saying lewd things, showing inappropriate pictures, sexting and more.
Surveys indicate the following about sexual harassment:
- 33% of women age 18 to 34 have been harassed on the job
- 81% of these women were verbally harassed
- 44% were touched and faced sexual advances
- One-quarter received offensive emails and text messages
- Three-quarters of the women were harassed by males
- 10% were harassed by females
Troublingly, 71% of women said they did not report the harassment. Of the 29% who reported it, 15% thought it was handled properly. When confronted with sexual harassment in any form, it can negatively impact a person’s employment in myriad ways. It can cost them the job, interfere with career advancement, deny them wages and benefits and cause other challenges. Discussing a case with a legal firm with experience in sexual harassment and employment law can provide information on how to proceed with a claim to be compensated.
