Sexual harassment, whether it is found in homes, schools, or workforce, is a severe matter and epidemically rising throughout the world. In short, sexual harassment is defined by law as an unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Few sexual harassment cases are falsely fabricated by one party, most are serious matters where victims never speak up and suffer from the abuse. Therefore, groups, programs, and organizations around the world have united to pinpoint sexual harassment and stop it in its tracks.
Here are some mind-blowing statistics about sexual harassment that will increase your awareness of the problem and help identify situations when harassment and assaults occur.
Mind-Blowing Statistics about Sexual Harassment
Most Go Unreported – As stated previously, many women and men who have been sexually harassed or assaulted are scared to report the perpetrators because of various reasons – repercussions, guilt, fear, reputation, etc. In many cases, college men and women do not report cases immediately but have claimed that they were sexually assaulted at one point in time – over 88% have claimed this.
Workplace Harassment – In the workforce, women are mostly the victims of sexual harassment by superiors, colleagues, and bosses. Many of the power positions believe they can treat women differently than other male employees providing the same job functions – particularly asking for sexual favors or putting female employees in difficult places. HuffPost polls found that one in five women said they have been harassed by a boss – one in four has been harassed by another co-worker.
Spectators Need to Help – In many cases, witnesses of a sexual harassment or assault case do not report the incident because of lack of information or fear for one’s job. In the first case, many workers witnessing sexual harassment or assault situations do not know whether there is a previously consensual relationship between the two employees or if the situation is real. Accusing harassment or assault as a witness, especially without the backing or support of the victim, that individual is only opening the door for accusations against themselves. Approximately 21% of respondents to the poll said that they had witnessed someone else being sexually harassed at work – only 33% of those 21% respondents reported anything. Therefore, 67% of witnesses did nothing about the assault.
Increased Sexual Harassment of Men – Since the 1990’s, statistics show that sexual harassment claims by men have greatly increased. In 1990, men accounted for 8% of all claims, while almost 20 years later, men now account for 16% of sexual harassment claims. Based on opinions from activists, these statistics could be associated with the rise of women in the workforce, or a change in the responsibilities of the male in the domestic household. Whatever the reason for the change though, it is apparent that men are beginning to speak out more against sexual harassment and assault.
If you’re a victim of sexual assault and need help, there are many hotlines to call throughout the country that will be able to help you get away from your current situation and put you in a position to fight back. Visit www.safehelpline.org for more information.
Post keywords: legal news
