Top Reason Why Workplace Sexual Harassment is Not Reported
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported more than 6,500 sexual harassment claims were filed in the United States in 2020. These represent only those sexual harassment incidents that were reported. Because sexual harassment often goes unreported, there were likely many more incidents that took place that year where nothing was done. There are many reasons why sexual harassment goes unreported, with one of the most common being the fear of retaliation.
If you have been victimized by workplace sexual harassment in Ohio, you may be able to take legal action against your abuser. It can feel overwhelming when thinking about what to do after being subjected to unwanted sexual harassment. Coming forward and taking action is not easy, but victims have rights, and they deserve to be protected from mistreatment. To learn more about your legal options, the Ohio sexual harassment lawyer at The Green Law Firm can help.
Why is Fear of Retaliation So Prevalent?
Sexual harassment in the workplace can happen to anyone and be perpetrated by anyone. This means that a vendor, contractor, coworker, or supervisor can all engage in inappropriate behavior that is intimidating to the abused. In specific, when sexual harassment is done by a superior, there can be a natural fear of the repercussions that may come with reporting abuse. Some of these include:
- Fear of demotion
- Fear of being fired
- Fear of an uncomfortable workplace where bullying and shaming are encouraged and allowed
Any of these outcomes can be possible, and thinking about having to endure one or more can be very scary. When considering one’s professional future, jeopardizing it in any way is something that could cause many people hesitation with respect to making a report.
But, Ohio sexual harassment laws prohibit such behavior. Sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliation against a victim who reports their mistreatment are both unlawful. Acts of sexual discrimination and abuse that affect a worker’s ability to perform their job duties properly or that impact decisions about one’s professional career are not tolerated under the law.
Employees that are sexually harassed at work and have to endure a hostile work environment just to do their jobs may want to believe things will change and the harassment will cease. Often, though, this is not the case. And even if sexual harassment only happens once, it is one time too many. Getting in touch with the Cincinnati sexual harassment lawyer at The Green Law Firm can help victims preserve their rights and hold accountable those that have harmed them.
Speak with an Ohio Sexual Assault Attorney Today
The Green Law Firm is here for you when you have been wronged in the workplace. For more than 45 years, attorney Green has been advocating on behalf of victims of workplace sexual discrimination and fighting to protect their best interests. As a knowledgeable and experienced legal professional, Harrison Green knows how to get results.
Call The Green Law Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the Ohio injury attorney at (513) 769-0840.
