Some states have higher rates of workplace sexual harassment than others. Find out how your state … [+] fares.
Workplace sexual harassment—undesirable advances or offensive references to what is generally associated with sexual relations—is a pervasive problem among the American workforce. A body of research indicates that workplace sexual harassment takes a devastating toll on employee well-being and performance.
Workplace sexual harassment leads to mental health problems like psychological distress, anxiety, depression and physical health issues such as illnesses and absenteeism. Researchers also have found that when workers are exposed to workplace sexual harassment, they are at greater risk of suicide and attempting suicide.
States Topping Workplace Sexual Harassment List
A new study, conducted by sexual harassment lawyers J & Y Law, suggests that workplace sexual harassment occurs in some states more than others. The data identifies North Dakota as the most abusive state for workers in the U.S.
The research analyzed reported sexual harassment cases from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and workplace injury data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The injuries and sexual harassment cases were calculated per capita for each state. Each variable was scored and totaled to create an overall “Exploitation Score” for each state. Based on these scores, the top ten most abusive states for workers were identified.
- North Dakota (exploitation score of 83.3). With 333 workplace injuries per capita and 337 sexual harassment cases per capita, North Dakota ranks as the most abusive state for workers in the U.S.
- Alaska (exploitation score of 74.7). Alaska ranks second. It reports 500 workplace injuries per capita, the highest in the U.S., and 166 sexual harassment cases per capita, the third highest nationally.
- Vermont (exploitation score of 55.3). With 226 reported injuries and 220 sexual harassment cases per capita, Vermont takes third place with an .
- Minnesota (exploitation score of 42.5). Ranking fourth, Minnesota reports 411 injuries per capita, the second highest in the nation, but only 9 sexual harassment cases per capita.
- Nebraska (exploitation score of 41.7) ranks fifth. It reports 267 injuries per capit Ita and 101 sexual harassment cases per capita.
- Iowa (exploitation score of 39.7.). It reports 343 workplace injuries per capita, the third highest in the U.S. and 36 sexual harassment cases per capita.
- Indiana (exploitation score of 34.4). It reports 280 injuries per capita and 43 sexual harassment cases per capita. With a total of 1,451 reported sexual harassment cases, Indiana is the fifth most sexually abused workforce in the U.S.
- South Dakota (exploitation score of 33.2.) Ranking Eighth, South Dakata reports 316 injuries per capita and 10 sexual harassment cases per capita.
- Kentucky (exploitation score of 32.7). Kentucky reports 312 injuries per capita and 10 sexual harassment cases per capita.
- Oregon (exploitation score of 31.6). Rounding out the top ten, Oregon reports 310 injuries per capita and 4 sexual harassment cases per capita, the lowest among the top ten states.
A Call To Action For Workplace Sexual Harassment
“As sexual harassment attorneys, we have witnessed firsthand the trauma of sexual harassment and workplace injuries on individuals and their families,” a J & Y Law spokesperson comments. “Our study reveals that North Dakota is exploiting its workforce more than any other state, with more sexual harassment cases than workplace injuries per capita.”
Committed to protecting client rights, the sponsors of the study insist they see this list as a tool to combat cultures that breed poor conditions for America’s workforce. “Employers and policymakers must take immediate action to enforce strict workplace safety and protection standards,” they conclude.
Help For Workplace Sexual Harassment
American researchers believe workplace sexual harassment is both an occupational hazard and a significant public health problem. They contend that new ways to prevent and address workplace sexual harassment are urgently needed. They also insist that victims of sexual harassment should receive mental health screening and treatment to mitigate risks for subsequent mental health concerns and suicidal leanings.
Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important to seek help if you experience workplace sexual harassment. A 2018 CareerBuilder survey found that the majority of victims of sexual harassment continue to keep quiet. Of those who have been sexually harassed, 72% didn’t report the incident, and 54% didn’t confront the person responsible for the harassment.
Workplace sexual harassment affects the victim’s mental health and emotional well-being. It needs to be addressed in a sensitive, empathetic and more emotionally aware manner. If you are struggling with workplace sexual harassment (virtually or face-to-face), speak directly with the other person involved or bring the incident to the attention of your human resources officer or manager.
If neither of these steps is feasible, there are a variety of external resources that offer legal and mental health support for workplace sexual harassment: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress. 800-273-8255. NavexGlobal offers sexual harassment training courses to organizations to educate their employees. Operations Inc serves as an unbiased, third-party subject matter expert where employees can report incidents of sexual harassment.
