Sexual Harassment and Health

Amy Blackstone, sociologist at University of Maine, reports that 70% of women and 45% of men have experienced sexual harassment at work. In “6 Ways Sexual Harassment Damages Women’s Health,” Rachael Rettner in LiveScience identifies ways that sexual harassment can negatively affect health.

• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Elevated Blood Pressure
• Sleep Problems
• Suicide
• Neck Pain

If you are sexually harassed, Donna Ballman advises:

• Don’t quit
• Look for the policy
• Put it in writing
• It doesn’t have to be sexual
• You probably can’t sue for a single incident
• They don’t have to fire the harasser
• The employer must investigate
• Keep reporting it
• You are not alone
• When it’s time to quit

And to expand the tools you have to address sexual harassment directly, sign up for an IMPACT course. 

To read more:

Donna Ballman. 2011. "Top 10 Things You Need to Know If You are Sexually Harassed at Work." 

Rachael Rettner. 2011. “6 Ways Sexual Harassment Damages Women’s Health.” LiveScience