A man approaches a new coworker and begins to massage her shoulders. As she tries to ignore him and continue her worker, he leans over and whispers in her ear, So youre in packing, I could really get used to your packing. Every year millions of people get caught in uncomfortable situations such as this.
Whether it is a rude comment, a sexual advance, or a degrading picture, it is illegal, but not uncommon. This act is known as sexual harassment, but what is sexual harassment, and whom does it affect?The Encyclopedia of Womens History defines sexual harassment as the unwanted sexual advances, demands, or innuendoes directed toward women in the workplace, but sexual harassment can be directed towards anyone at anytime, regardless of age, race, or gender.
Sexual harassment is considered a type of sexual discrimination, which violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law states it is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Under this act, harassment victims are protected from the loss of 2their jobs due to reporting the incident, and are entitled to payments for pain and suffering as well as any pay lost.
The company for whom the person works for is liable for all expenses due to that person if they knew about the incident or should have known and did not act. Sexual harassment can affect anyone, but the majority of reported incidents are female victims who are harassed by males. A survey done by the UW Stout Sexual Harassment Education Committee showed that 70 percent of women in a working environment were sexually harassed, but only 42 percent of these cases were reported (Shawn Larsen Sexual Harassment, Frequencies by Gender. ) Furthermore, an estimated 50 to 80 percent of women will be harassed during their working career.
Women are more likely to be sexually harassed because they are considered to be more vulnerable. There is an overall discrimination against women, says Phyllis Wetherby, president of First Pittsburgh Now (Pittsburgh Press). Sexual Harassment is not done for affection; it is an act to receive power. Due to excessive exposure to harassment, women start to develop Sexual Harassment Syndrome.
Sexual Harassment Syndrome is the stress caused by constantly absorbing sexual harassment. If not recognized and counseled, it can lead to depression. Men often do not realize they are in the wrong. They may call a girl honey or darling in a friendly way, but the female may take it offensively. Some cases can be truly distinguished, such as the case of Halls vs.
Gus Construction, in which three women were severely harassed by their coworkers. 3Three women were hired as flag people at road construction sites. Male co-workers immediately subjected the women to outrageous verbal sexual abuse. One of the three women developed a skin reaction to the sun, and the men nicknamed her herpes. Male co-workers continuously asked the women if they wanted to engage in sexual intercourse. On one occasion the men held up one of the female employs so the driver of a truck could touch her.
The men subjected all three women to other types of abuse, including mooning them, and urinating in their water bottles and automobiles gas tanks. The companys supervisor was well aware of these activities. The court found this conduct violated Title VII because it was unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, (Barry S. Roberts, Richard A> Mann Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. ).
