How Common Is Female Sexual Harassment

How Common Is Female Sexual Harassment Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying Print How Common Is Female Sexual Harassment? By Sherri Gordon facebook twitter Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. Learn about our editorial policy Sherri Gordon Updated on September 18, 2019 Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images More in Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress When former  Thinx CEO Miki Agrawal came up with the concept of “period proof underwear,” the company was applauded for its commitment to empowering women and de-stigmatizing menstruation. So when Agrawal, a self-described feminist who claimed she created an open and safe working environment, was accused of sexually harassing her predominately female staff, people were shocked. Here was a company touted as a trailblazing feminist organization with a former CEO accused of female-to-female sexual harassment. How could that be? What Is Same-Sex Sexual Harassment? When most people think about sexual harassment in the workplace, they envision a man harassing a woman. But there are cases where women harass women, men harass men, and women harass men. In fact, the law  prohibits sexual harassment by either men or women against people of the same and opposite gender.?? Sexual harassment falls under Title VII, which is a law against sexual discrimination in the workplace. It occurs when someone engages in unwelcome sexual conduct in the workplace that affects you, your job, the work environment, as well as others in the workplace.Under the law, there are two types of sexual harassment claims:Quid pro quo claimsHostile environment claims With quid pro quo claims, a supervisor or someone with authority over an employee requests or implies an unwelcome sexual demand in exchange for something on the job, such as getting a promotion or not being fired. Meanwhile, a hostile environment occurs when the environment at work becomes intimidating or offensive because of sexual actions and comments. Examples might include sexual jokes and comments, sexual bullying, lewd remarks,  demeaning pictures, and unwanted sexting.   In the Thinx case, Agrawal allegedly had  an obsession with one employee’s breasts, touching them without permission and asking her to expose them.?? She was also accused of holding routine video conference meetings while naked in bed and frequently changing clothes in front of employees.   What’s more, there are reports that she conducted  at least one FaceTime meeting while sitting on a toilet and regularly discussed her sexual exploits, including polyamory. Other reports indicate she  expressed an interest in having a sexual relationship with at least one of her female employees.?? Why Dont People Report Same-Sex Sexual Harassment? Most researchers suggest that the actual number of people who have experienced same-sex sexual harassment is likely higher than what is currently being reported.?? In fact, it is extremely difficult to measure how frequently it occurs in the workplace because people often never file a complaint.   Aside from the fact that it is difficult to report and prove, victims of sexual harassment often worry that they are somehow to blame for the unwelcome sexual advances.?? Whats more, they worry about what others will think of them if they do file a report, especially when the harasser is the same gender. They are often riddled with embarrassment and shame over what is happening to them. Another reason for failing to report sexual harassment includes fear of retaliation. Research has found that sexual harassment is often ignored or trivialized by management within organizations.?? Additionally, when victims do say something about the treatment or ask that it stop, they are often met with hostility and accusations. Experts expect to see a rise in the number of same-sex sexual harassment complaints as employees become more empowered. In general, people are more willing to  stand up to others  and point out that their civil rights have been violated. Why Do People Sexually Harass Others? Too often, when someone is sexually harassed at work, people start to question the role the victim played in the abuse. But psychologists caution against this victim-blaming  viewpoint.?? Most would argue that regardless of the perpetrators gender and sexual orientation, sexual harassment is driven by anger and insecurity as much as it is by attraction.   In fact, most people who sexually harass others, regardless of whether they are men or women, are looking to control and dominate others.  The harasser feels more in control when  she has power over someone else. Whats more, some harassers are looking to embarrass and humiliate their targets rather than sexually stimulate or flirt with them. Sexual harassment is more about using a position of power to control and hurt someone else. Meanwhile, others say that in the workplace sexual harassment is a form of manipulation.?? Its a way to inadvertently devalue someones work by calling attention to their sexuality instead. How Often It  Occurs According to a 2015 survey, one out of three women between the ages of 18 and 34  experiences sexual harassment at work. Of those women, 81 percent of them have experienced verbal harassment, 44 percent have received sexual advances and unwanted touching, and 25 percent have dealt with lewd texts or emails. Meanwhile, 75 percent of women were harassed by male coworkers and 10 percent by female coworkers.   Yet, very few women are reporting the abuse. In fact, 71 percent of women say that they never reported the sexual harassment they endured at work. And of the 29 percent who did report the harassment, only 15 percent felt it was handled properly.   For those who work to educate others about sexual harassment prevention, these figures are particularly  disappointingâ€"especially considering that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 70 percent of employers provide sexual harassment training and 98 percent of companies have sexual harassment policies.??   If you have been a victim of sexual harassment at work, let someone in management or human resources know what you are experiencing. And if they do not take you seriously, contact the EEOC or an attorney for suggestions on what to do next.