When googling the definition of ‘Sexual Harassment’, many definitions included a phrase similar to, “typically against a women”. This kind of assumption is very dangerous as it is not only women that are being sexually harassed. Though it was more common when equal rights weren’t as prominent and men were usually the ones in charge in the workplace, in today’s society with women’s rights advancing, more women are put into positions of power. Workplace sexual harassment is no longer only a threat to women. According to David Grinberg, a spokesman for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
Workplace sexual harassment is one of the most common forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment doesn’t always have to be physical, things like staring at someone, whistling or making comments also counts as sexual harassment and is as serious as physical sexual harassment. Any unwanted sexual behaviour towards someone is considered sexual harassment. Victims of sexual harassment, whether they are male or female, can be devastated by the effects of this harassment.
In the workplace sexual harassment can include being harassed about hierarchy and job positions as well. It is common to see men sexually harassed because of the nature of their jobs. If men take on unconventional gender roles and take up positions like secretary or nurse it unfortunately opens up more doors for people to harass and belittle them.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is no longer a woman’s problem. Men are increasingly experiencing sexual harassment in many different forms.