Sexual Harassment Impacts Women’s Health and Future

The impact on women’s mental and physical health from being sexually harassed are experienced in numerous ways. It is more than uncomfortable moments, bursts of irritation, feeling fear for more inappropriate advances, and becoming distressed. It can cause long-term effects that transforms victim’s lives. Being sexually harassed in the workplace impacts the victim’s future and can impact the company. The perpetrator’s thrill of a brief uncomfortable exchange can translate into widespread and long-enduring difficulties for a victim of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can affect how a person is able to perform their job duties. In some cases, it may determine if they are granted opportunities to advance in their career. Indirect consequences can also arise when a victim is being harassed. Long term effects of immense anxiety, stress, and frustration can affect the victim’s physical health. The result of mistreatment continues to shape the victim’s future in a variety of ways. It is essential for employers to handle sexually harassed victim’s claims properly to help prevent continuous damage.

American Association of University Women Study

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) study revealed compelling evidence that the effects on women that have been sexually harassed in the workplace are long-lasting and far-reaching. The study outlined that women were subjected to sexual harassment at all ages, with more than 63 percent of respondents reporting harassment between the ages of 25 to 44. A wide range of races and ethnicities were also represented in the study to show that sexual harassment impacts all women. Psychologists stated that it can cause significant depression and even post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Consequences of sexual harassment also threaten the economic security of victims. Victims can feel that they are being discriminated against or that they are being passed over for advancement in the workplace. Women distracted by their harasser can miss career-building or leadership opportunities and fail to capitalize on mentorships or other forms of support.

Short-term effects, such as being passed up for a promotion or choosing to leave a job to avoid a harasser, can lead to long -term effects, such as reduced earning potential and impediments to lifetime wealth accumulation.

Backlash and Law Limits

The difficulties that harassment victims face extend beyond the fear of receiving backlash from reporting misconduct. Poor performance reviews, co-worker resentment, and denial of advancement opportunities are also common hurdles victims face. Additional obstacles include laws that limit who can report harassment, such as contractors and unpaid interns. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have time limits for reporting harassment that can impact potential evidence. Supreme Court judgements recently relaxed liability rules for employers and co-workers, giving witnesses less incentive to react. Non-disclosure agreements and forced arbitrations can rob employees of their power in the workplace.

Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Sexual Harassment Victims in the Workplace

Employers are obligated to act against workplace sexual harassment. Negative effects of sexual harassment can greatly impact your job and future, as well as your physical and emotional health. If your employer neglected to properly address your complaints, contact our Cherry Hill employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. to discuss a course of action. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-1999 to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Marlton, Moorestown, and Mount Laurel.