We all have pressures at work. Simply performing our daily tasks can be stressful, and as such we all need an environment that allows us to focus so we can do the best job possible. Any sort of undue personal interference by supervisors or coworkers doesn’t just impede your ability to function on the job, but could also cause emotional turmoil that affects every aspect of your life.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can cause victims to suffer in a variety of ways. The severity of the effects of sexual harassment can range greatly. For example, research has discovered a link in women between sexual harassment and increased blood pressure. Additionally, a harassment victim could also experience sleep disturbances and even nightmares.
In some cases, sexual harassment can also lead victims to suffer long-term symptoms of depression. According to one researcher, harassment may induce feelings of self-doubt, which could manifest itself in self-blame. Self-blame can in turn cause mental health issues, including depression.
And even after the sexual harassment has ended, victims may carry scars for a very long time. Studies have demonstrated a connection between sexual harassment and posttraumatic stress disorder. Having PTSD could cause victims to continue to experience their trauma and they may avoid things or people that remind them of the harassment.
These are just a few of the ways in which your life could be negatively impacted by sexual harassment. This is why it is so important to take proactive steps to halt the behavior of the harasser and to hold your employer accountable for the hostile environment that allowed the harassment to take place.
If you are not satisfied with the manner in which your employer has responded to your claims of sexual harassment, you may wish to solicit the services of an employee rights attorney. The attorney could act as your representative and help you protect your professional interests and your health and well-being as well.