Why is it a serious issue?
[ch 1: page 12]Sexual harassment is commonly just seen as banter or joking around, however, the effect it can have on victims is anything but. Many women report feeling embarrassed, frightened, and less confident than before and may change their behaviour by, for example, avoiding certain work situations.
In some instances, one in 10 according to the TUC’s survey, the effects can have very serious ramifications on an individual’s mental health. Respondents described feeling threatened, humiliated, patronised and undermined.
Unsurprisingly, all this can lead to depression, time off work, fear of going to work, and for some ultimately leaving their job. In the TUC poll, 7% of respondents said they wanted to leave their job but couldn’t afford to do so, while 6% did actually leave their job.