Are Men Sexually Harassed in the Workplace?

 Posted on November 26, 2024 in Sexual Harassment

When we think of sexual harassment in the workplace, we generally assume it is male workers harassing female co-workers or subordinates. The majority of workplace sexual harassment does involve males harassing females. However, according to the Washington Post, about one in five workplace sexual harassment claims filed with the EEOC are filed by men.

Because of this, sexual harassment against men in the workplace must be a concern that is taken seriously by employers. Many males are hesitant to report sexual harassment for fear of retaliation and being made fun of by others. It is important to remember that all workers deserve a workplace free of sexual discrimination and harassment.

If you are a man who has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, you deserve a law firm that understands that no matter what gender a person is, sexual harassment can cause serious harm. Choosing an experienced Wheaton, IL sexual harassment lawyer from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC ensures your claim will receive the care and skill it deserves.  

Why Are Men Less Likely Than Women to Report Sexual Harassment?

Many women do not report sexual harassment because they fear retaliation or think nobody will believe them. So, while more women are sexually harassed at work, both men and women have some of the same fears when considering reporting the harassment. While less likely to be sexually harassed at work, men have some additional issues to think of when they consider reporting sexual harassment.

Men tend to be taken even less seriously than women thanks to certain stigmas, namely that society expects men to behave in a "manly" way and hide any vulnerabilities they may have. Many people also think it is not even possible for a man to be sexually assaulted or harassed by a woman. In truth, men are sexually harassed by women and by men. Some reasons men may shy away from reporting sexual harassment in the workplace include:

• If the sexual harassment is by another male, the man being sexually harassed may feel it says something about his own sexuality.

• Like women, men may fear retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, namely in the form of termination or lack of a deserved promotion.

• Most men who are sexually harassed in the workplace keep quiet about it because they fear being mocked by co-workers, bosses, and even their friends and family members.

•  Since men are often the perpetrators of sexual "jokes," men generally expect other men to take these sexual jokes with good humor.  

At least seven to 10 percent of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace; about 62 percent of those men say their harasser was a woman. This also means that almost 40 percent of those who sexually harass men are men. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace are prohibited, regardless of the sex of the victim.

What Are the Two Types of Sexual Harassment for Men and Women in the Workplace?

There are two primary types of sexual harassment in the workplace:

• Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor asks for sexual favors in return for employee benefits like raises, promotions, trips, etc.

• A hostile work environment results when an employee is subject to sexual gestures, jokes, pictures, or sexual advances, which leaves him or her feeling threatened or intimidated.   

Men, like women, fear retaliation for reporting sexual harassment in the form of disciplinary measures, unwarranted adverse performance reviews, demotion, termination, reduction in shifts, or denial of an earned promotion or pay increase.  

Contact a DuPage County, IL Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If you have reported incidents of sexual harassment and your employer fails to put a stop to the sexual harassment, you have the right to take legal action. When you choose a Wheaton, IL sexual harassment attorney from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, you have chosen attorneys who are highly experienced in all aspects of sexual harassment. MKFM Law will be your advocate as we explore the kind of relief you might expect from a sexual harassment lawsuit.  Call 630-665-7300 to schedule an initial attorney meeting.