Sexual harassment can happen to males as well as females. In fact, some reports say as many as 1 in 7 males experience this treatment. However, men who have been sexually harassed don’t receive as much media coverage as female victims. But, that doesn’t mean it does not happen.
About Sexual Harassment
It is important that when unwelcome conduct crosses the line and becomes severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment to seek the advice from a qualified employment lawyer experienced in sexual harassment cases for advice and help. Men and women both are guilty of sexual harassment. A harasser can be anyone. He or she can be a supervisor, coworker or even a non-employee of the company. Anyone affected by offensive conduct could be eligible for a claim, even if he or she is not a direct victim of sexual harassment.
Male Sexual Harassment Is Common
Studies show that women experience more sexual harassment in the workplace than men. However, men also experience sexual harassment on the job, and those numbers are rising. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Fair Employment Practices agencies analyzed sexual harassment claims between 1997 and 2011 and saw the percentage of cases filed by men increased by 15%.
Also, another study corroborated the results. Out of the 522 workers studied, up to 58% of women and 37% of men reported experiencing some level of sexual harassment. The gap between male and female victims is not as wide as commonly believed. It is hard to study the rates of male sexual harassment since men are less likely to report the abuse. This may be due to the stigma of being “unmanly”. Additionally, men and women can have differences in what is viewed as harassment.
Contributing Factors to Male Sexual Harassment
Men who deviate from traditional male gender roles are more likely to be sexually harassed. Sexist attitudes and toleration of sexual harassment can enforce gender roles, for both men and women. However, since men are less likely to report the harassment, there is less information about this growing problem. Of the reported claims, much involved same-sex harassment, particularly of men who portrayed feminine traits. Several claims also involved men being harassed by female supervisors.
However, male sexual harassment victims are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Then, this leads to losing their jobs, dropping out of school, etc.
Free Legal Consultation
If you have experienced sexual harassment in any form in the workplace or at school, you should contact a qualified employment attorney as soon as possible. If the harassment has not stopped after making a formal complaint, consulting a complex litigation attorney is your best option. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm will be able to provide further guidance, help you file a claim, and help you build a case that will end the harassment. We have over 20 years of helping victims. Our consultations are free. Contact us today.