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Research shows prevalence of workplace sexual violence

On Behalf of | Dec 30, 2019 | Sexual Harassment |

According to a national study, close to 1 of every 18 women and 1 of every 40 men have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment. The study was reported in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. Employees who experience sexual misconduct at work in Florida might have actionable claims for damages. According to the study’s lead author, sexual violence is both preventable and prevalent and includes unwanted sexual contact, unwanted experiences like sexual remarks or exposure of body parts, coerced or pressured sex and unwanted penetration with use of force or drugs or alcohol.

The research study made use of data gathered by the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, covering the years of 2010 to 2012. The data included responses from around 19,000 men and 23,000 women. The research team looked at how prevalent different types of sexual violence were committed by a authority figures and non-authority figures at work. They also examined the effects of being a sexual violence victim, including safety concerns, lost work time and psychological consequences.

The study concluded that 2.5% of men and 5.6% of women said they’d experienced some kind of sexual violence from a person related to work. Roughly 4% of women said they’d been harassed by coworkers or other non-authority figures. Roughly 2% of men said they’d been harassed by coworkers or other non-authority figures. The most common sexual act reported by women was sexual contact. The most common sexual act reported by men was sexual experiences like unwanted remarks.

In cases where an employee has been a victim of sexual violence or other sexual misconduct at work, a Florida attorney may be able to help. An attorney who handles sexual harassment cases might gather and organize evidence, conduct witness interviews or depose experts to build a case for trial. He or she might be able to negotiate an out of court settlement or other relief.