This past year, the #MeToo movement has brought sexual harassment and discrimination into the light. Women from all over the globe have spoken out, and continue to do so, about continuous sexual harassment from men in the workplace. Not many men have joined this movement, even though many fall victims. A recent CNBC poll showed that 10 percent of workplace sexual harassment and misconduct cases filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are reported by men. This translates to one out of five cases.
Although there is no definitive research about the gender of these alleged harassers, men seemed to be harassed more often by other men than women. A professor at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia studied workplace sexual harassment and gender stereotypes. She believes that the behavior is based on a desire to dominate or humiliate others. It can be caused by sexual desire and pursuit or targeting men who are not thought of as being sufficiently masculine. An attorney adviser for the EEOC, explained that men are less likely to report harassment. They feel humiliated or afraid they will not be taken seriously.
Men Speak Out
In 2017, an employee filed a suit against his employer, BWX Technologies. The victim said the he was sexually harassed on a regular basis, and that the company allowed it. He experienced severe anxiety and was uncertain about making the initial complaint because of possible repercussions at work. Work became unbearable for him, and although he reported the harassment to his supervisors, no action was taken. He also feared losing his job. The harassment went on for several years until the victim contacted the EEOC and hired an attorney.
The EEOC has recently filed workplace discrimination suits on behalf of other men. Workplace sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal and physical conduct of this nature. It can happen in different circumstances. The harasser can be male or female, the victim’s manager, a co-worker, an agent of the employer, or even a non-employee.
According to the EEOC, there are specific steps to take if you have been sexually harassed at work. If asking the person to stop does not work, see if your company has an anti-harassment policy and follow its directions, which may include steps needed to file a complaint. If there is no policy, ask your supervisor for help. You are protected by law from any retaliation from the supervisor or the company. There is the option of filing a discrimination charge with the EEOC or contacting an experienced sexual harassment lawyer.
Chester County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Those Harmed in the Workplace
If you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment, contact the Chester County sexual harassment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. We treat every client with the dignity that they deserve. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are centrally located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas, including, but not limited to, Bucks County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, New Jersey, and New York.
