When a Florida employee goes to work, he or she has the right to expect to be able to do his or her job without fear of experiencing inappropriate treatment from co-workers or employers. Sexual harassment is an unfortunate issue that affects people in many different types of job, especially females. The legal profession is no exception to this problem.
Recent studies have found that a startlingly high number of female attorneys experience sexual harassment in the workplace. Due to the type of environment that comes with practicing law, many of the women who experience this find it difficult to speak out or report the people who are harassing them. If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you have the right to speak up and fight back, and you don’t have to fight alone.
Culture of harassment and bullying
Studies reveal that the legal field can be an intimidating and hostile work environment, especially for women. The results of a recent worldwide survey found that around one in three female attorneys have experienced harassment at the hands of their own colleagues. In the United States, about half of all female attorneys have experienced sexual harassment at work.
Unfortunately, harassment of a sexual nature is not the only problem that female attorneys may experience in the workplace. Bullying is also a problem. These two issues may be some of the main reasons why talented and bright female attorneys are leaving the profession in droves. It may also explain why there are a disproportionate number of males in leadership positions in the legal field.
Scared to speak up
Despite the prevalence of female attorneys who experience sexual harassment in the workplace, many are afraid to speak up about what they experienced. This is probably for many reasons, but one of them is because they feel that the consequences for the perpetrator will be minimal. Only around 25% of these incidents are reported to the appropriate authorities.
Don’t suffer alone
If a woman is the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, she does not have to suffer in silence, regardless of the type of job she has. If you are a victim, you may find it beneficial to work with an experienced attorney regarding the specific legal options you have. It may be possible to bring a civil claim against your employer and hold him or her accountable for the unacceptable treatment you experienced while at work.
