magazine WOmen | Page 7

metropolitan 07

and at that point I started believing them. Victim shaming is just as big of a deal as harassment. This is why I chose this topic, because even after nearly two years I still have wake up in the middle of the night crying because I was dreaming about what happened. I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone, and if there’s something I can do to help that’s what I’m going to do.

THE PROBLEM

“Based on prior work (reviewed below) showing that fears of incompetence lead to abuse of subordinates, presumably in order to restore social status and alleviate negative, highly unpleasant, and even unacceptable self-perceptions, that study authors hypothesized that insecure men in positions of power would be more likely to engage in sexually harassing behaviors” (Grant Hilary Brenner M.D. FAPA). ~The act of assault or molestation is usually carried out by a person who is in a position of power. Being someone’s honcho or high level co-worker gives the harasser the power to do what they desire and keep it in the dark.

“Quid pro quo refers to situations where employment decisions such as hiring, firing, or promotions are contingent upon the employee providing sexual favors” (AllLaw.com). “Hostile work environment refers to situations where the employee’s work environment is made intimidating, hostile, or offensive due to the unwelcome sexual conduct and the conduct unreasonably interferes with the employee’s work performance.

This could take the form of unwanted sexual advances by a fellow employee, but it need not involve sexual advances at all” (AllLaw.com).~ A commission can involve molestation of a sexual nature or simple hostile work environment. Therefore, insurance process must be put option in place and breeding must be conducted for all employees. All business should take precautions to eliminate any probability of sexual harassment, to ensure a safe work environment.

“This ties in with not only the psychological trauma that is triggered by sexual harassment but widely accepted stigmas about women in the workforce. When that is being harassed, how do they know it’s harassment and not just someone’s natural behavior?” (Kristina Udice).~Typically, there’s a stereotype about women overreacting and jumping to conclusions; when they get harassed, they don’t want to fit into that stereotype. There are federal laws put in a position to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, but people need to be educated. In the end, they still blame themselves and say it’s just men being men.