Statistics on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace can be isolating and deeply painful. Workplace harassment disrupts a person's professional life and impacts their well-being and emotional health. Often, survivors face daunting challenges in reporting these incidents due to fear of retaliation, career damage, or isolation. 

At Levin Simes, we understand these difficulties and are committed to standing by your side and guiding you through each step of the legal process. Our women-led law firm aims to highlight the ongoing problem of workplace abuse and give survivors a clear path to justice.  

We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for you to speak out. We will champion your cause, establish a protective barrier between you and those who have harmed you, and hold those responsible accountable.

Contact Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 for a free, confidential consultation to explore your options. Read on for more important information.

What Do Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Statistics Say?

Sexual harassment in the workplace impacts individuals across races, sexes, and socioeconomic classes. Sexual harassment in the workplace statistics provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) shed light on its prevalence. Between 2018 and 2021, the EEOC estimates:

• After the viral #MeToo movement, there was a notable increase in sexual harassment charges in the following two years.
• During this time, authorities filed about 27,291 charges of alleged workplace sexual harassment.
• Sexual harassment charges accounted for almost a third of all harassment charges. This marks a 3% increase from the previous reporting cycle.
• Black/African American individuals accounted for a staggering 71.2% of sexual harassment charges. This suggests that racial factors could significantly influence workplace victimization.
• About 43.5% of individuals report retaliation from their employer after filing charges.‍
• The states with the most charges per 10,000 persons include Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Kansas, and Tennessee.

The EEOC notes that the data likely does not truly reflect the vast number of incidents of sexual harassment endured by employees.

What Do Statistics on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Say about Reporting?

Statistics on sexual harassment in the workplace estimate that as many as 90% of employees never report workplace harassment. That's nearly 300,000 people suffering from fear of retaliation each year.

And while anyone may experience sexual harassment in the workplace, teens, women, and Black people face disproportionately higher risks. The percentage of workers who experience sexual harassment report it is mainly dependent on societal factors tied to discrimination.

How Many Women Are Sexually Harassed in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment against women can vary from minor actions, such as inappropriate comments or unwanted flirting, to more explicit behaviors like groping and coercion. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) shares that:

• The percentage of women in the workplace reporting experiences of sexual harassment is 38%, compared to 14% of men.
• One in seven women seeks a new job assignment, changes jobs, or quits a job as a result of sexual harassment in the workplace, versus one in 17 men. 
• At least 60% of women in the workplace report some unwanted sexual attention.
• Male-dominated industries report that as many as nine out of ten women face sexual harassment on the job.

As seen in these statistics, sexual harassment against women in the workplace stems from inequality. Dynamics that encourage power imbalance allow authorities to corrupt the workplace. Potential harassment is worsened by inequality, as women are often underrepresented in managerial roles, making them vulnerable to mistreatment.

Understanding Harassment and Bias Against Black Women at Work

Racism, sexism, and prejudice against Black women's roles at work are the root causes of workplace harassment. The Women's Leadership and Resource Center reports:

• Black women are three times more likely to experience sexual harassment compared to their peers.
• They are more likely to experience sexual harassment based on assumptions about their role in the workplace.
• About 83% feel excluded from work opportunities, including supportive networks crucial to preventing harassment.

Black women are overrepresented in low-paying jobs, where harassment is pervasive. They are often judged through stereotypes like the “angry Black woman.” These harmful perceptions often result in greater retaliation when choosing to file.

Against Black women, sexual harassment often normalizes critique of their body, hair, and 'attitude.' These microaggressions, or indirect statements, aim to put down a specific group of people.

How Are Teens Affected by Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Teens face unique challenges that make them vulnerable to sexual harassment in the workplace:

• Teens often have limited work experience. They may not recognize inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
• Teens are often in roles that require subordination. Without knowing their rights, they may face exploitation.
• Peer pressure can easily influence teens. Pressure to fit in may make it harder for them to advocate for themselves.

If you have a child entering the workforce, discuss appropriate and inappropriate workplace behavior with them. Teach them to trust their instincts. This will help them recognize early signs of grooming, such as inappropriate comments or unwanted advances.

Encourage them to document any uncomfortable or troubling interactions so they have clear documentation to make a report. Remind them of their right to a safe workplace and to speak up or seek help from HR if they feel harassed. Lastly, stress the importance of setting firm boundaries. No means no, regardless of whom it's directed at.

What Classifies as Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Let us provide a protective barrier between you and those who harmed you. Together, we can hold those responsible accountable for their crimes. Contact Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 for a free, confidential consultation. Read on for more important information.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take different forms. What one person experiences as subtle or indirect, another may find deeply distressing or harmful. Regardless of the form it takes, sexual harassment creates a toxic work environment that can harm both the victim and those around them. Here are the most common examples:

Hostile Work Environment

This stems from unwelcoming or intimidating behavior, creating a tense atmosphere. Contributors include inappropriate jokes, comments, and actions related to race, gender, or other personal characteristics.

Hostile work environments typically aren't physically abusive. However, offensive emails, messages, or verbal remarks can hurt employees. A hostile work environment violates laws, and employees can report it without fear of retaliation.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a supervisor or other authority figure requests sexual favors in exchange for job benefits.

For example, a supervisor may offer a raise, promotion, or other job advantages in return for a date or other inappropriate acts. If the employee refuses and faces negative consequences, such as a demotion or termination, it is quid pro quo harassment.

This type of harassment involves a clear power imbalance where the employee feels pressured to comply. Quid pro quo harassment is illegal, and employees have the right to report it.

Verbal Sexual Harassment

Any insulting comments directed at an employee based on race, gender, or sexual orientation are harassment. When sexual, it includes derogatory jokes, name-calling, or inappropriate remarks about someone's appearance.

Verbal harassment may also include threats or humiliating statements intended to intimidate. Even if the language doesn't target a specific individual, it can create a tense atmosphere and foster a hostile work environment. Verbal harassment may also be illegal under employment law.

Physical Sexual Abuse and Harassment

Physical harassment involves any unwanted physical contact or aggressive behavior, such as touching, groping, slapping, or blocking someone’s path.

Physical harassment is a serious violation of workplace conduct standards. Employees should immediately report any incidents of unwanted physical contact to their lawyer.

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is using emails, texts, or social media to isolate a coworker. This includes inappropriate emails, explicit messages, or social media messages. A cyberstalker may also share private information or images without consent.

Cyber harassment can occur outside the workplace and still affect the work environment. Certain cyberstalking behaviors, like spreading revenge porn, are even punishable by criminal law. Employers are responsible for addressing harassment that occurs through workplace communication channels.

All workplace sexual harassment involves actions or behaviors designed to emotionally or mentally harm. It is up to employers to create an environment where each employee feels safe to work. In the absence of this, our sexual assault and harassment attorneys at Levin Simes can help survivors hold perpetrators legally culpable for their actions.

We recognize the impact of sexual harassment in the workplace on the personal and professional lives of many. Our women-led law firm is working to change broken systems, allowing employees to get justice for their pain and suffering.

Will I Have to Go to Court if I File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim?

Many cases settle without going to trial. This is because employers have an incentive to resolve complaints against an alleged harasser as quickly as possible to maintain the working environment for the employee(s) who are experiencing sexual harassment.

But, if needed, we will pursue maximum compensation for your claim in court. If you trust us with your case, we will relentlessly fight for the compensation you deserve. Here's our guide on reporting sexual harassment at work that provides additional information on your options.

Funds and Trusts for Sexual Abuse and Harassment Survivors

Some organizations dedicate funds to pay survivors. Our institutional sexual assault lawyers will explore every avenue of compensation available. We can also establish a sexual abuse survivors settlement trust to protect recovered damages. However, the laws around trusts vary by state.

Settlement trusts allow clients the right to anonymity. Levin Simes will explore all available options to protect you and your claim from retaliation.

Contact Our Sexual Abuse and Harassment Attorneys

We understand the challenges in reporting sexual harassment at work. For many, disclosing these incidents can threaten their financial security. That's why our sexual assault and harassment attorneys grant survivors a free legal consultation when reaching out online or by phone.

Our attorneys are compassionate and relentless in their pursuit of protecting your rights in the workplace. Schedule a free online consultation or call our California office at (415) 426-3000 to learn more about your options and legal rights. Don't let feelings of shame, guilt, uncertainty, and avoidance prevent you from getting the justice you deserve.