A recent study shows that there may be a connection between women who have experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault to health problems. Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace before it occurs, even if it means to provide costly trainings, may save employers in the long term since it could improve employee retention, reduce legal costs incurred as a result of sexual harassment, and lower healthcare costs if employees do not experience long-term mental and physical health effects that stem from sexual harassment. Additionally, healthier employees will likely be more productive in the workplace.
Study Findings Regarding Women’s Health and Sexual Harassment
The study was conducted in conjunction with the Pitt Department of Neurosurgery, the University of Zurich, and Harvard University. There were 304 women in the study who were originally contacted to study whether there is an association between menopause and cardiovascular health. The women were between the ages of 40 and 60. Researchers found that there was a correlation between women who had experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault and health problems, such as poor sleep, depression, and anxiety.
They found that women who had experienced episodes of harassment or assault were three times as likely to suffer from these mental health issues. Additionally, they found that these women had a higher prevalence of hypertension as well. In the group, they found that one in five women reported being a victim. The researchers noted that younger women and women who were more financially stressed were more likely to suffer from sexual assault or harassment.
Employers Should Make Efforts to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Although it may be assumed that poor health can result from negative experiences, such as sexual harassment or assault, this study highlights the issue with hard numbers that may bring more attention to the issue. In the era of the #MeToo movement, employers may want to concentrate more on preventing sexual harassment and assault in the workplace with trainings and establishing proper complaint procedures in the company that work. Whether employees complain within their own company about sexual harassment, employees always have the option of addressing sexual harassment legally either through making a federal or state complaint with the proper agencies or by contacting an attorney.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight for Those Who Have Been Sexually Harassed at Work
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment and has either complained at work or is considering making a complaint, contact the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. With office locations in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and throughout New Jersey.
