Sexual harassment is one of the most common and concerning issues across the world, which affects individuals in multiple environments, including educational institutes, workplaces, online platforms, and public spaces. Sexual harassment has a long-lasting effect on women’s health.

People who have gone through it have almost a 3x rise in risk of developing depressive symptoms. One should be aware of the laws related to this issue and contact New Jersey employment lawyers if you are also involved in such a case of sexual harassment at your workplace.

What are the prevalence and statistics of sexual harassment?

In the scale of global statistics, the problem of sexual harassment is a widespread issue that affects millions of people globally. According to a report by the UN, more than 70 percent of women have experienced sexual harassment at some point in their lives. Studies done by the European Union show that one in every three women has experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a common issue. Reports by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the UN show that annually, more than 7500 cases of sexual harassment are filed alone; these numbers are believed to be much more than actual since many of the harassment issues go underreporting.

Online harassment has substantially increased after the impact of social media increased in our daily lives. A Pew Research Center study reported that 18 percent go through severe forms, which include sexual harassment, and 41 percent of Americans have experienced online harassment.

What are the effects on victims?

These acts of sexual harassment leave an unforgettable traumatic impact on victims. Here are some more types of effects:

1.   Psychological Effects:

Sexual harassment victims often suffer through severe psychological effects, which include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Traumas like these can have a long-lasting impact on the mental health of the victim, which makes the lives of these people difficult, and they certainly develop trust issues.

2.   Career consequences:

In many cases, sexual harassment can directly impact careers. The consequences are that the victim may have to lose their job, experience demotions, or a stressful and uncomfortable work environment that will force them to leave their respective jobs or positions. This will eventually cause financial distress and instability and hinder the economic growth of that particular person.

3.   Social and personal relationships:

The stress and distress caused by sexual harassment can have a direct impact on the personal relationships of the person and social interactions. The person will eventually try to avoid large groups and prefer to isolate themselves due to emotional trolls, which results in mental health issues and sometimes even suicidal thoughts.

What can you do to reduce the effect of sexual harassment at your workplace?

The things that a company can do to reduce the effect of sexual harassment in the workplace are:

●     HR practices

The HR department plays a crucial role in managing sexual harassment complaints. The practices that are included in effective HR are reporting procedures, supporting the victim, and conducting confidential investigations. However, the lack of training and inconsistent application might undermine these efforts.

●     Training and awareness programs

Awareness programs and regular training programs are essential to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. These programs educate employees about reporting mechanisms,  acceptable behavior, and the consequences of harassment. Studies have also shown that well-structured training programs can reduce harassment incidents.

●     Technological solutions

Technology may play a vital role in addressing sexual harassment. Some innovative solutions may include AI-based monitoring systems, apps for reporting harassment, and online platforms for giving support to the victims.

Conclusion

Sexual harassment is a severe problem in the present world, with dangerous impacts on victim’s careers and lives. Addressing sexual harassment needs a multiple approach that includes effective punishments, cultural change, organizational promise, and support for victims.