Thread: Sexual Harassment

I'm sure we have all seen it take place; I know I have countless times. Both men and women are victims of it and I would be willing to bet that for every hundred, maybe one will step forward and seek help. Where I used to work, most people talked to each other using every imaginable swear word and sexual term in the book. Most laughed about it and joined in, but there were a few that would get offended. However, none of them would report any of it, well, except the woman who's foreman was writing her nasty letters, threatening to tell her husband of their affair if she did not continue to sleep with him. My wife is also now having a problem with a man at her work who apparently never learned what "NO" and "I'm married" means. I've told her to report him but she's afraid of the repercussions which might include being ostracized by her coworkers at a job in which she just started.

And now there's Herman Cain and multiple women's accusations against him. The first woman's account is very disturbing. If she is speaking the truth, the grotesque arrogance of this man is beyond my comprehension. But there is much to be said yet on both sides.

There is something that overrides some people's (especially men's) common sense and makes them risk everything, even after being told no. And I'm not sure the answer is as simple as "sex."
My feelings are that even with employers enforcing strict rules to curb sexual harassment, it is still a widespread and often unreported problem that I don't think will ever go away.

I'm not even sure what my question is regarding this topic, but I'm interested to see what your take is on it. Maybe we'll all agree or maybe we'll have a debate...

I've experienced it once. Didn't do anything about it because it wasn't a permanent job and I needed the money at the time. It was only one instance, but rather than being offended, I was scared. Looking back now I probably should've said something, but I didn't.

Is the idiot who is harassing your wife a co-worker or a superior? In my case it was a co-worker. I think what the work-relationship is often plays the biggest role in whether a woman reports it or not. But yes reactions of others is a huge reason for not saying anything. I hope your wife changes her mind.

Your wife should report it.

In Australia, the (now previous) Equal Opportunity Commissioner claimed that discrimination etc against men doesn't exist. She also claimed that there's no such thing as racism against whites. The commission continues to operate along those lines.

Originally Posted by Rustgold

Your wife should report it.

Better add to this.

If your wife doesn't report it and something happens down the track, the male will most likely claim that she 'encouraged' him; and he's likely to win on such a claim. For your wife's safety, she should report it, and do so officially.

Sexual Harassment and You - SNL - Video - EvilChili - Funny Clips, Articles and More - Updated Daily

I've thought about slapping a couple of women on the butts before but I've never done it.

Originally Posted by Capulet

Sexual Harassment and You - SNL - Video - EvilChili - Funny Clips, Articles and More - Updated Daily

Excellent video, Cap. That was sooooo truth.

Better add to this.

If your wife doesn't report it and something happens down the track, the male will most likely claim that she 'encouraged' him; and he's likely to win on such a claim. For your wife's safety, she should report it, and do so officially.

She went to two different men that are in positions of authority. They told her that she had better be very clear with him and set him straight because if she goes to HR, they will fire him immediately. So that is what she did. She told him that she is there to work, that she is married and to please stop. His response: "Well if you ever change your mind..." and "No one has to know." He is married as well. He's been on vacation recently, but before he left he made a comment about her backside looking good. Her coworkers told her that he has been in hot water before for harrassing a student worker (this is at the local university). I'm infuriated by his arrogance. My wife has reentered the workforce after eight years of being a stay-at-home-mom, so that we can finish our educations for free and our children will be able to attend college there for free when they are of age. It is a very special opportunity for us and it's a shame that it has been made a negative experience for her right off the bat by this idiot.

Is the idiot who is harassing your wife a co-worker or a superior? In my case it was a co-worker. I think what the work-relationship is often plays the biggest role in whether a woman reports it or not. But yes reactions of others is a huge reason for not saying anything. I hope your wife changes her mind.

He is a coworker, but the department he is in oversees hers and his immediate supervisor oversees all of them. So in a way, his position and his supervisor (who women have also complained about) makes him feel that he can get away with being a pig with no repercussions I guess.

Originally Posted by Capulet
Sexual Harassment and You - SNL - Video - EvilChili - Funny Clips, Articles and More - Updated Daily



Excellent video, Cap. That was sooooo truth.

LOL Hilarious! Did you watch the Sprite ad after this? WTF?

Originally Posted by Brock

She went to two different men that are in positions of authority. They told her that she had better be very clear with him and set him straight because if she goes to HR, they will fire him immediately. So that is what she did. She told him that she is there to work, that she is married and to please stop. His response: "Well if you ever change your mind..." and "No one has to know." He is married as well. He's been on vacation recently, but before he left he made a comment about her backside looking good. Her coworkers told her that he has been in hot water before for harrassing a student worker (this is at the local university). I'm infuriated by his arrogance. My wife has reentered the workforce after eight years of being a stay-at-home-mom, so that we can finish our educations for free and our children will be able to attend college there for free when they are of age. It is a very special opportunity for us and it's a shame that it has been made a negative experience for her right off the bat by this idiot.



He is a coworker, but the department he is in oversees hers and his immediate supervisor oversees all of them. So in a way, his position and his supervisor (who women have also complained about) makes him feel that he can get away with being a pig with no repercussions I guess.

Rather than piss off her co-workers your wife will probably find that they are glad she said something. If this jerk is doing this to her, he's doing it to others also. She has a right to work without being made to feel uncomfortable. She'll be glad she said something.

Rather than piss off her co-workers your wife will probably find that they are glad she said something. If this jerk is doing this to her, he's doing it to others also. She has a right to work without being made to feel uncomfortable. She'll be glad she said something.

I completely agree, but we already know there will be repercussions from some coworkers. We will see how he acts when he gets back from vacation. If he keeps it up, something will have to be done.

As we are witnessing now with the Herman Cain sexual harrassment scandal, women who come forward are subject to character assasination and horrible insults. I suspect in the very near future, the Cain campaign and his supporters will begin to come forward with things they have dug up from these womens' pasts in order to attack their character. If the women are not squeeky clean, a shadow of doubt will be cast upon them. If they are telling the truth, it is such a shame that they have to endure this. Watch the video below as Rush Limbaugh bashes the one accuser and basically implies she is a prostitute with the way he pronounces her name and makes discusting slurping noises. These women are on the national stage, but women on all levels are subject to this type of backlash and scrutiny if they attempt to report the "wrong" person.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/07/rush-limbaugh-sharon-bialek-slurping_n_1080390.html

I know that the real world often works far differently than what the law intends, but your wife should remember that any sort of retaliation, from anyone, for speaking out is a violation of federal law. She is protected. If she's not, then the lawsuit you can file will cover all those education expenses

Originally Posted by Brock

LOL Hilarious! Did you watch the Sprite ad after this? WTF?

That Sprite ad was compleeeetely messed up. Sometimes I think I'm just not watching the right channels because I never see these. lol

On the serious side of the topic, and with Brock's example in mind, there are clear cut examples like his where something 100% has to be done. I think most people would agree having a fun, flirty work environment makes it a joy to come in to work. Everyone wants to feel smart, attractive, and appreciated, and you have to build an environment that supports that. The guy actually preying on coworkers and students is ruining that just as much as any fuddy duddy trying to make the workplace too reserved, and needs to be dealt with.

If the harrassment is verbal she should record it* several times, then tell him that she has sent her solicitor/lawyer a copies and is awaiting his/her advice. It is a form of bullying and should be fought vigorously.


*Quite easy to do with a mobile phone or small dictation gizmo.

If the harrassment is verbal she should record it* several times, then tell him that she has sent her solicitor/lawyer a copies and is awaiting his/her advice. It is a form of bullying and should be fought vigorously.


*Quite easy to do with a mobile phone or small dictation gizmo.

I believe by law she has to tell him that he is being recorded before she records anything he says. Yes, you are right; that would take care of it, but I think she would be breaking the law if she did it without his knowledge.

This just out about one of the accusers. Right on cue... lol. If these women haven't lived the lives of saints, they better be prepared to be drug through the mud.

New details emerge about Cain accuser as campaign tries to contain scandal | The Ticket - Yahoo! News