Los Angeles employment Lawyer Perry Smith

Common Misconceptions about Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a topic that is rarely discussed without discomfort. Whether you are a man or woman, child or adult, employee or employer, the issue of sexual harassment is a complex and difficult one to deal with. Many people would rather turn a blind eye to the problem rather than attempt to confront it. While such behavior is at least somewhat understandable given the social implications and ingrained stigma of sexual harassment victims, it does not help our society move towards eliminating sexual harassment once and for all. Furthermore, the public reluctance to truly confront sexual harassment has led to several dangerous misconceptions.

Misconception #1 – Only Women can be Sexually Harassed

Definitely untrue. While statistics do show that the majority of sexual harassment victims are female, and that a larger portion of the female population than the male population reports being sexually harassed, men can just as easily become targets of sexual harassment. In recent years, for example, reports of male employees being sexually harassed by female supervisors have increased in number.

Misconception #2 – Sexual Harassment Only Occurs Between People of Opposite Sex

Again, untrue and based on stereotype. While one might argue that a dual-sex environment provides more opportunities for sexual harassment, such behavior is also possible from men to men or women to women. Sexual harassment can also occur regardless of one’s sexual preference.

Misconception #3 – Sexual Harassment is Physical

While physical contact can most definitely be a form of sexual harassment, it is misleading and dangerous to consider physical actions the only form of sexual harassment. In reality, sexual harassment can be physical, verbal, or psychological. An environment where sexually-charged phrases are frequently used, for example, might be considered abusive.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue for men and women even today. If you have suffered from such behavior on the job, contact Los Angeles Employment Lawyer Perry Smith today at 888-356-2529.