Research suggests that many women in Florida have experienced sexual violence while at work. A new study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that workplace sexual violence is prevalent, and nearly 10 million U.S. workers have been victims of it. Among the victims, 70 percent were found to be female workers.
Sexual violence is a term used to describe unwanted sexual contact that could include penetration, groping, exposure or sexual remarks. The study found that sexual violence on the job is perpetrated by both authority figures and by non-authority figures. For women, rape by a coworker is most likely to be committed by a non-authority figure, according to the study.
Authors of the study examined data from the 2010-2012 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey to write their report. Researchers looked at the prevalence of workplace sexual violence as well as the psychological impact that it has on victims. Fear was the most common psychological effect of sexual violence for both men and women. The study also found that people in medical professions such as nursing and psychiatry were frequently victimized on the job by their patients.
Bosses have a responsibility to create a safe work environment for everyone. If sexual violence was committed by a non-authority figure, managers and CEOs could hold some liability for the perpetrator’s actions. A person who has experienced sexual violence at work may want to seek legal assistance. A lawyer might be able to help the victim to go through the proper steps to take legal action.
