What Are the Consequences of Ignoring Sexual Harassment?

 Posted on August 15,2024

About 40 percent of employees admit to experiencing or witnessing workplace discrimination and sexual harassment at work. Since these issues threaten employee safety, they simply cannot be ignored. While some employers may think the behaviors will go away if they ignore them, workplace harassment must be dealt with quickly and decisively.

If you have experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, or bullying at work and your workplace has turned into a hostile work environment as a result, you need a strong legal advocate who will fight for your rights.

An experienced Wheaton, IL, sexual harassment lawyer from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. (MKFM Law), is ready to help you through this difficult time in your life. Our decades of experience in employment law ensure we can address issues related to sexual harassment head-on, building a solid case on your behalf. When you are having trouble finding your voice because fear has left you confused, stressed, and anxious, we will speak for you.  

How Can Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Affect the Victim and Other Employees?

Illinois statutes clearly define sexual harassment. Although many people are hesitant to report sexual harassment in the workplace, not doing so can have a "snowball" effect. The person being sexually harassed experiences many adverse consequences while the harasser may become bolder because there have been no negative outcomes from their illegal behavior.

Sexual harassment of one person can affect others in the workplace as well. When other employees witness the sexual harassment of a colleague, they may feel guilt for not defending the harassed person yet may fear losing their job if they get involved. Workplaces that do not address sexual harassment have lower productivity and lower employee morale, along with a greater number of employees calling in sick.

The person being sexually harassed may think that if they ignore the harassment long enough, the harasser will get tired of the "game" and stop. This is rarely the case. The victim may also fear retribution or harm to their career if the sexual harassment is reported. In some cases, the victim feels as though they will not be believed by management. Those being sexually harassed may experience one or more of the following.

• Adverse mental health, including stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, can occur in those being sexually harassed.
• There are also adverse physical consequences of the stress from pervasive sexual harassment for the victim, including hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. 
• Adverse career outcomes are also symptoms of sexual harassment in the workplace. Nearly 25 percent of those who experienced sexual harassment reported a negative impact on their employment, career, or work.
• Victims of sexual harassment may frequently call in sick or take every day of annual leave they can to avoid their harasser. 

Interestingly, while more and more people recognize sexual harassment as an issue deserving attention, those same people believe it doesn't happen where they work. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is rampant throughout American workplaces, and every single incident must be immediately addressed.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If your employer has not taken measures to prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace to protect their employees, it is time to speak to a knowledgeable Wheaton, IL sexual harassment lawyer who has a deep understanding of the issue and how it affects the victim and others at the company. The attorneys at MKFM Law know how difficult it is to talk about sexual harassment, so they will take the time to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We will also help you determine how to handle your immediate workplace situation. Contact MKFM Law at 630-665-7300 to schedule an appointment.