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Sexual Harassment Within The Workplace: How To Prevent It

     Sexual harassment is a major issue that can occur anywhere, especially within a corporation, no matter how big or small. One such company that has had issues with sexual harassment was Vice Media. Vice has been involved in several cases of defamation and sexual harassment, all coming from former employees. However, the problems that stem from Vice run much deeper than that, as stated in an article from WenzelFentonCabassa, "two dozen female employees have reported that they witnessed or experienced sexual harassment at work, including some who were propositioned for sex." (WenzelFentonCabassa, 2024). This incident goes to show how big of an issue that sexual harassment can be no matter what company people may work for. It is vital for everyone to know and learn what sexual harassment can look like and also the proper ways to prevent it from occurring within the workplace.

     When it comes to sexual harassment, there are some things everyone would need to know, how to identify and how to prevent it. Being able to prevent sexual harassment within any company in the United States will make everyone feel safer and more comfortable. In a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, they had a survey in which 893 people were interviewed between the ages of 18-29 were among the highest group of people who reported witnessing sexual harassment. This puts this age group at the fore front of this issue within the workforce. 

In this diagram, it shows the age ranges for victims of sexual assault
    Another study has discovered people within that same age range of 18-29, it has been discovered that these people are victims to the majority of sexual assault and harassment. The men and women of this age group are young enough to be your children or even grandchildren. Just imagine hearing and finding out that they were the victims of sexual harassment and the toll that it would take on them. That is why it is vital to learn what sexual harassment is and how to prevent it.

    First, what really qualifies as sexual harassment as some people may not know what it can look like. Sexual harassment can vary from nonverbal things such as gestures someone makes towards one another or even images that are shown. It can be a verbal thing such as unwanted comments made on one's appearance or jokes made to someone. Sexual harassment can even present as unwanted physical touching from a coworker in any way. Finally, if a person in a higher position threatens to punish someone if they do not perform various acts can also qualify as sexual harassment.

    All of these can start to give someone an idea of what to keep an eye out for. By looking for any of these signs can identify it, and now it is to learn how to properly prevent it as well now.

    When it comes to preventing sexual harassment, there are a variety of different approaches that one can take to ensure that it does not happen again. Documenting each and every instance of sexual harassment occurs is an important first step to take when it comes to reporting an incident. Establishing boundaries with every single one of your coworkers, both on your level and upper management of the company you work for. In certain situations, reporting the incident may be needed, whether you go to your manager or someone within the human resources department, reporting it will have someone within the company step in. However, there is a chance that your workplace does not do a sufficient enough of a job handling the incident after its been reported. In these such cases, getting a professional, such as a lawyer, to step in and handle the situation may be needed for your own safety.

    Now, understanding the various different ways to prevent sexual harassment from occurring, there are some people who may advocate against that. One issue that has been brought up is the effect that it would have on free speech, infringing on that right as well as personal autonomy and personal rights as well. To fix this issue, it is vital to ensure any methods push for mutual respect and open communication within the company.

    Another issue that has been brought up is that it can negatively impact the morale of employees, drastically lowering it. To fix this, it will be good to foster an environment within the company that encourages feedback from everyone, provides constant feedback, as well as creates a sense of community within all of the employees.

    Finally, there is a concern that there is a potential for a misapplication of policies that are created for the prevention of sexual harassment. For this, it is important to thoroughly explain each an every policy that is to be implemented within the company. Every question that an employee has must be taken seriously and answered properly as well as any concern and must also be investigated properly.

    Being able to properly learn how to identify sexual harassment and prevent it as well is important. For companies to start adapting these techniques will ensure a safer working environment as well as a more well knit work community. By looking at where other companies have failed gives an insight of how to do better and further push for a safer future. These workers are our future and by making the work environment safer will ensure work is done better will work relations are also healthy.

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