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Would one ever think that sexual harassment at the workplace could be regarded as one of the most prevalent health hazards of work and that it could play havoc with your health? The National Commission for Women reports that sexual harrassment is on the rise at the workplace, and is increasingly being reported by women as they become more assertive and aware of their rights. Here are some common jobs where women are subject to harrassment, worldwide. Nursing Profession The nursing profession is one which has seen frequent cases of sexual harassment. In a study published in AORN journal, the range of harassing behaviours nurses reported were: offensive sexual remarks unwanted physical contact unwanted nonverbal attention requests for unwanted dates sexual propositions A majority of the harassing incidents were not reported, which may be attributed to the nurses' lack of training about sexual harassment and their facilities' reporting policies and procedures. The study suggests that the high incidence of harassment in health care is related to the health care industry's polarized occupational segregation ( predominately female nurses, disproportionately high number of male physicians). Educational Institutions A Canadian based research reports sexual harassment in universities and colleges. Based on data collected by a questionnaire from 455 women, university undergraduate and graduate students and nine follow- up in- depth interviews, this study found that sexual harassment has both direct and indirect health effects, including nausea and sleeplessness, loss of self- esteem, fear and anger, feelings of helplessness and isolation, as well as nervousness and depression. Across the world sexual harassment at work is not unheard of. Just hidden in the closet, as most cases just go unreported. |
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