Florida workplaces have improved by leaps and bounds to improve workplace conditions and limit sexual harassment violations. However, sexual harassment continues to be a problem for many Florida workers. Sexual harassment is not only inappropriate, but it is extremely difficult and embarrassing for victims to report such inappropriate behavior.
Victims tend to experience the feeling of intense shame and guilt over the problem, even though it is not their fault. Some may be so shocked after being inappropriately touched by a superior that they are unable to tell him or her to stop. These feelings may prevent them from reporting the incident to the appropriate person at their workplace. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up in the face of a coworker and accuse him or her of inappropriate behavior.
Those who have experienced sexual harassment on the job must look deep inside and ask themselves if they have also fallen victim to the enormous psychological power that bosses and superiors tend to hold over employees. Just because and individual holds authority over you does not mean that he or she has any right to treat you inappropriately and/or in a sexual way. Florida victims of sexual harassment must remember: the only way to make the behavior stop is to report it. Staying silent will only enable the abuser to continue treating you and other employees inappropriately. Fortunately, there are numerous and powerful employment laws that protect sexual harassment victims from losing their job and from other kinds of retaliation.
The shameful feelings that victims experience can sometimes prevent them from reporting sexual harassment causing it to continue. Victims may feel so demoralized that they do not even want to think about the incident, let alone report it to superiors. However, a sexual harasser who goes unreported can continue to sexually harass other employees. Victims owe it to themselves and their coworkers to report every instance.
Source: thefrisky.com, The Soapbox: Why Do We Feel Ashamed For Being Sexually Harassed?, Lauren Rankin, Sept. 10, 2013