It is no news that people often come forward with horrendous stories of how they were sexually assaulted at ‘leading’ workplaces. Headlines often pop up in primetime news as well as local and national newspapers.
But does it mean that things are changing? Well, yes and no. Sure, victims now are more aware of their rights but at the same time, victims of sexual harassment, often fail to report their respective ordeals.
Why?
This post in the following sections will shed light on some reasons why victims fail to report instances of sexual harassment at their workplaces. Before that, here is a simple definition of sexual harassment.
What Is The Definition Of Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment, legally known as sexual battery, in simple words, is defined as pervasive actions committed by an individual against another individual that consists of groping or touching the latter’s private parts without the latter’s consent.
If the person reading this post needs any legal counselling then make sure to visit website for more details.
Who Can Be Held Accountable In A Case Of Sexual Battery?
People who are victims of sexual battery can take legal action against their perpetrator. At the same time, if the victim has reported instances of sexual harassment to the authorities of their workplace but no actions have been taken against the perpetrator, then the victim can also take legal action against their employing enterprise!
Why Do Victims Fail To Report To The Authorities When They Are Sexually Harassed?
There are many reasons why more than eighty per cent of sexual harassment incidents go unreported here in the US. Two of the leading reasons are enunciated in the sections below –
Lack Of Formal Policies And Procedures In Workplaces
Victims of sexual harassment often shy away from reporting their ordeal to their superiors as most enterprises do not have formal policies and procedures within their organization that can help a victim get swift justice. Sure, fortune 500 companies do have such policies but most instances of sexual harassment take place at SMEs as well as startups.
Lack Of Support From The Authorities Above Within A Workplace
The next reason why victims do not report their ordeal to their superiors is that they fear that by doing so, they will be shunned within the workplace. They even fear that they might be compelled to resign or they might be stopped from ever climbing the corporate hierarchy.
In simple words, incidents of sexual harassment have been going on for so long that it is often thought that it is the part and parcel of leading the life of a salaried individual!
This mindset has to change and the good news is thanks to the recently enforced Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, people are finally breaking their silence and holding their respective perpetrators accountable for their pervasive actions!
How Can Lawyers Help In This Matter?
Filing a sexual harassment lawsuit is a complicated and time-sensitive matter. This is why victims should hire lawyers or legal firms that specialize in representing victims of sexual battery at workplaces. For more details, feel free to visit the website stevenrubinlaw.com a revered legal firm specializing in filing sexual harassment lawsuits.
Conclusion
It is no news that people have the basic right of earning a living without being subjected to sexual harassment. It is high time that employers here in the US take this issue seriously.
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