Many people in Indiana and around the country who are experiencing workplace sexual harassment choose not to file a lawsuit against their employer. According to the vice president for education and employment at the National Women’s Law Center, the majority of sexual harassment cases do not end up being reported. The problem of workplace sexual harassment reportedly affects 25 percent of female workers in the United States.
Some observers believe that workers choose not to complain about sexual harassment from their supervisors for fear of losing their jobs or being unable to secure employment elsewhere. Although the laws about workplace sexual harassment are designed to protect victims, many employees are still unwilling to risk losing the career position that they have worked hard to reach.
Another factor that often prevents workers from coming forward with sexual harassment claims is the emotional toll that pursuing litigation can take on the plaintiff. During a potentially lengthy trial, the plaintiff may have to face his or her harasser on several occasions and endure public scrutiny. When a company refuses to admit any liability in court, a sexual harassment victim can end up feeling traumatized again by the experience.
Although the prospect of going to court over sexual harassment claims may not sound appealing, it is usually in an employee’s best interest to report this type of behavior as soon as it occurs. When an employee has a strong case with a lot of evidence to back it up, employers often choose to settle the matter outside of court. An attorney may be able to help an employee who has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace to negotiate a fair settlement.
