Effects of Sexual Harassment and Abuse

Effects of Sexual Harassment and Abuse

Sexual harassment can have a devastating effect on its victim, whether it happens at the workplace or at school. The effects of sexual harassment can vary depending on the severity, duration and on the individual. The range of sexual harassment incidents can go from being merely annoying to having life-altering effects. This is particularly true when they involve severe and chronic abuse. This can also be life altering if they involve retaliation against a victim who does not submit to the harassment. In fact, psychologists and social workers report that severe/chronic sexual harassment can have the same psychological effects as rape or sexual assault. (Koss, 1987). Most important, every year, sexual harassment costs hundreds of millions of dollars in lost educational and professional opportunities for girls and women. (Boland, 2002).

Here are some of the most common professional, academic, financial, and social effects of sexual harassment on the victims: They include increased absenteeism and decreased work or school performance. Loss of income and even loss of job or career are very common. Some victims find it necessary to drop their courses, change their academic plans, and even drop out all together. The victim’s life is put under a microscope and offered up to public scrutiny. In addition, the victim becomes the “accused”, and lifestyle, dress, and private life is often under attack. Because of this, the victim is humiliated by scrutiny and gossip. Their personal relationships suffer sometimes resulting in divorce. Family and friends may ostracize the victim, weakening their support network. In extreme cases, the victim may have to relocate, change jobs or change their school. (Wikipedia)

There are a staggering amount of psychological and health effects that can occur in someone who has been sexually harassed. Some of these are: depression, anxiety/panic attacks, sleeplessness or nightmares. In addition, shame, guilt, difficulty...

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