Higher-ups do not always address sexual harassment properly

Dealing with any type of harassment in any environment can be difficult. When the scenario involves sexual harassment in the workplace, it may seem even more appalling that such acts are occurring in a place that should promote professionalism. Unfortunately, as too many New York residents already know, this type of situation is not uncommon.

When attempting to handle this type of harassment, it may seem difficult to find the right course of action. Though speaking with a supervisor, manager or human resources representative should be the right first step, the follow-up advice may not have the desired impacts. One woman stated that after suffering sexual harassment, her boss and HR rep told her to speak with her harasser “face-to-face.” However, this action did not stop the harassment, and she endured more over the next few years.

Other women have given similar accounts of ineffective help from higher-ups at their places of employment. Some individuals were even told to not let it bother them or to just go along with the “joking” behavior. Though many women try to stay with their jobs despite being subjected to such behaviors, it may understandably prove difficult.

When individuals in positions of authority at a workplace do not address instances of sexual harassment properly, workers can feel discouraged and dismissed. However, instead of accepting that this type of harassment will occur, New York residents may wish to take legal action. Filing claims against the harassers, employers and other liable individuals could help victims seek the justice and restitution they feel is necessary.

Source: womenshealthmag.com, “‘I Reported My Boss For Sexually Harassing Me — Here’s What It Was Like'”, Charlotte Hilton Andersen, Nov. 30, 2017

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