Sexual harassment in the workplace is a problem that can have a profound impact on victims. If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, it is imperative to know that you are not alone and that there are steps you can take to heal and move on.
This article lists eight things you can do to heal if you have experienced workplace sexual harassment. From seeking professional help to talking to a trusted friend or family member, these tips can help you begin the healing process.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, please use this list as a resource and reach out for support.
- Do Not Self-Blame
- Have Compassion For Yourself
- Focus on self-care
- Change your routine
- Consult A Professional
- Reach Out For Support from family and friends
- Join support groups
- Write about your experience
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Do Not Self-Blame
If you are experiencing workplace sexual harassment, it is important not to blame yourself. Regardless of the circumstances, it was not your fault. No one deserves to experience sexual harassment at work. Speak up, report the harasser, and make sure that the organization holds the person accountable for their actions. When you feel comfortable doing so, talk about what happened to an advocate or counselor who can help walk you through this tough time.
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Have Compassion For Yourself
Taking care of yourself if you have experienced sexual harassment at work is vital.
It’s difficult to heal from the trauma of sexual harassment, but it is possible. Be gentle with yourself and take the time you need to heal.
Focus on self-care
Being sexually harassed at work can negatively impact your mental and physical health. The focus needs to be on self-care to begin the healing process.
Self-care means different things to different people, but there are some basic things you can do to take care of yourself after experiencing sexual harassment at work. It might mean taking time off from work, using vacation days, or unpaid leave. If you can not take time off, create a more flexible schedule for yourself to recover.
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Change your routine
It may mean taking up new activities, switching to a different job, or moving to a new location. Whatever you do, make sure you do what is best for you and your healing process.
Consult A Professional
Some survivors of sexual harassment or assault may also need help from a mental health professional to move past their experience. Talking to someone trained in treating sexual trauma can be incredibly helpful for any survivor who needs support.
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Reach Out For Support from family and friends
It is not something that you should have to go through alone. Reach out to family, friends, and loved ones for support. They may not fully understand what you are going through but will be supportive, regardless. Also, reach out to professionals who can help by providing therapy or counseling for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace so that you can start the healing process.
Join support groups
If you are a survivor of workplace sexual harassment, you are not alone. Many people have experienced this type of harassment and have found strength and support by joining a support group. It can also be a great way to connect with people who have been through similar experiences.
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Write about your experience.
Writing about your experience of sexual harassment in the workplace can be a powerful way to heal from the trauma. It can help you make sense of what happened, release any feelings of shame or self-blame, and reclaim your power.
If you’re uncertain where to start, try writing the details of the incident, how it made you feel, and what you did in response.
The aftermath of workplace sexual harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a problem that can have far-reaching consequences for victims and the organizations they work. The aftermath of workplace sexual harassment can include mental and physical health problems and lost productivity.
Organizations that do not take steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace can face serious consequences, including damage to their reputation, decreased employee morale, and legal action.
As an organization, seeking workplace health advisory from an occupational health expert like Medbury Medicals to help prevent and address such occurrences will help get your organization from any consequences and also move your business forward. Do you require our help? Click here to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Workplace Sexual Harassment
Is workplace sexual harassment a crime?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem that can have severe legal consequences for employers.
Unfortunately, sexual harassment is all too common in the modern workplace. Sexual harassment can take many forms, from unwelcome sexual advances to lewd comments or obscene gestures. It can also include quid pro quo harassment, where employees feel obliged to submit to sexual advances to keep their jobs or receive promotions.
If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, you should know that you have legal options.
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What is harassment, and what is not?
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual comments, sexually-oriented emails or social media messages, and visual or verbal displays of affection that create discomfort and intimidate. It’s not about sexual desire — it’s about power and control.
What is not sexual harassment?
It’s vital to remember that this isn’t just about sexual desire. If someone says something that makes you uncomfortable but doesn’t fit the definition of harassment, it’s not harassment. For example, if a coworker says something joking around at work that makes you feel uncomfortable but doesn’t have any sexual undertones, it’s not harassment.
Sexual harassment can include:
- Verbal abuse—being called names, threatened with violence, or forced to do something sexual.
- Unwanted attention—being stared at or touched inappropriately.
- Physical contact—rubbing against someone, sticking their hands down your pants, or touching you without your consent.
- Making sexually explicit comments about a person’s body or appearance.
- Offering sex for a promotion or other benefit.
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Sexual harassment versus sexual assault
The difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault is that sexual assault is an act of violence, while sexual harassment is non-violent.
The difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault is that sexual assault is an act of violence, while sexual harassment is non-violent.
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