Changing the Landscape of Sexual Harassment

It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year since the #MeToo movement first caught steam. While it has certainly brought attention to the plights of numerous women in Hollywood, we must remember that sexual harassment and assault affects more than just celebrities.

While most men fear getting rejected or laughed at by potential romantic interests, most women spend their time worrying about things like rape and sexual misconduct. According to a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this fear is not unfounded.

Approximately one in three women will experience some type of sexual violence in their lives, with 26 to 58 percent of victims experiencing rape before they even turn 18. For men, the risk is substantially smaller. According to the CDC, less than one in six men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

When allegations of rape and sexual assault surface, the focus is often incorrectly placed on the women, attempting to determine what she could or should have done differently. However, society often fails to focus on what the alleged assailant could have done differently given the situation.

A Culture on the Defense

From the time women are old enough to be alone, they are armed by their parents and society with various methods of self-defense and instructions they are implored to remember, such as to not wear revealing clothing, not to walk alone at night, not to leave a drink unattended, and to carry pepper spray. For some, cat calling is a daily occurrence.

In fact, these things are of such concern that entrepreneurs have even capitalized on them with products such as rape proof underwear and nail polish that detects date rape drugs. Though these business ideas are of value, they do nothing to address the real underlying problem with rape culture; it is not something driven by the victims, but rather those who commit the crimes.

The Bystander Approach

Luckily, activists have begun spreading the idea that these issues are men’s issues too and advocate for the bystander approach. This approach is all about insisting that men who are witnessing this harassment take a stand. Often, these instances of sexual harassment are occurring daily in the workplace to both women and men. Ending this culture of abuse requires not only female self-empowerment, but also male education. When we see someone experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, we must not remain silent; we must say something.

Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Help Those Who Experienced Sexual Harassment or Assault

If you or a loved one has been subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important that you find an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can help you obtain the justice you deserve. The Cherry Hill employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. can help individuals. For a free consultation call 215-569-1999 or contact us online today. Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas.