Sexual harassment is probably the most common type of gender or sex-based discrimination that happens in employment or in the workplace. However, no matter how rampant it is, many people are easily influenced by some rumors or make-believe stories about it without bothering to know the facts. Here are some of the myths and facts that concern sexual harassment.
- Sexual harassment is rare.
Like what has been mentioned, sexual harassment is not rare and on the contrary, is actually widespread. Around 40 to 60 percent of working women had to hire Los Angeles Harassment Lawyer after experiencing such conduct.
- Women who were sexually harassed brought it upon themselves because of the way they look, dress, or behave.
Yes it’s true that many women prefer to wear clothes that show their assets or a little skin, but that doesn’t mean that they do this for other people or just to get harassed. Harassment happens not because women dress provocatively or instigate sexual activity in order to get promoted, it happens because some supervisors or officials became fond of their power. According to studies, physical appearance, type of dress, age, and behavior do not affect the incidence of sexual harassment. One thing that’s true though is that 99 percent of cases involve women.
- Most sexual harassment cases are trivial and are nothing more than flirtation.
Some say that the seriousness of most harassment cases was exaggerated. After all, it is still possible that maybe the alleged harasser is just really interested with the female employee.
However, studies indicate that it has nothing to do with flirtation, or sincere sexual or social interest. The victims just find the conduct offensive, insulting, and frightening that some of them are forced to leave their jobs to avoid harassment, or experience severe psychological or physical health problems as a result.
- Many women make up stories of sexual harassment as a way to exact revenge at their employers or other people who have angered them.
A measly one percent, or even less, of sexual harassment complaints are found false, according to research. In fact, even if they are truly justified to do so, women rarely file harassment complaints.
- Ignore it and it will go away.
Research has also proven that ignoring harassment is not effective in actually making it stop– it may even be seen as agreement or encouragement.
Victims of sexual harassment, especially women, are encouraged to get the help of an expert Los Angeles Employment Lawyer and file a harassment lawsuit against the alleged harasser as soon as possible in order to put a stop to such malicious conduct.
by Rodney Mesriani (Mesriani Law Group)
