Coercion can be defined as forcing someone to do something they do not want to do, through manipulation, threats, and/or force. In workplaces, abusers use different methods to push employees to do things, and one of the most concerning is sexual coercion.
There are different kinds of sexual coercion in the workplace:
- Deception: This is when someone purposefully hides the truth or lies to control someone’s behavior.
- Gaslighting: An employee might question another employee’s opinions or factual comments to emotionally abuse them. Bullies often do this.
- Humiliation: Embarrassing colleagues can make them feel weak, which eats away at self-confidence and work performance.
- Isolation: A supervisor may try to control a subordinate’s behavior and self-esteem by isolating them.
- Manipulation: This happens when employees use aggressive or other unethical tactics to get others to do certain things.
- Physical: Examples include invading an employee’s personal space or physical attacks, like hitting and pushing.
Sexual coercion happens when an employee or anyone else in a workplace tries to manipulate an employee into sexual behavior. This kind of harassment can be ongoing or happen all at once. These abusers take advantage of targets in different ways. It could involve making the target feel guilty, showering them with unwanted attention, or cornering them at a work-related event.
What Should I Do if I am Being Sexually Coerced at Work?
Signs of workplace sexual harassment include offensive emails, unwanted touching, and unwelcome comments. It can be hard to confront abusers, especially in workplaces, but speak up if you can because that might defuse the situation. Otherwise, see if your employee handbook covers workplace harassment, and follow the instructions. This might involve filing a complaint with a supervisor or the HR Department.
To support your claim, gather as much evidence as possible. Save emails and other written communications and note the dates and times. You can write down how it made you feel, and see if anyone witnessed what happened. Abusers can use considerable pressure to make employees do things they do not want to do, and, if you feel uncomfortable in any way, take action immediately.
If your company does not have the appropriate policies in place or fails to address your concerns, the situation might qualify as a hostile work environment. You do not have to put up with this kind of treatment at work. An experienced sexual harassment lawyer can work to get you the justice you deserve.
Bucks County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Support Employees Dealing With Sexual Coercion
If you are facing any type of workplace sexual coercion, abuse, or harassment, do not hesitate to contact our Bucks County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Our attorneys can protect your rights. For a free consultation, call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, and Montgomery County.
