Power dynamics and sexual harassment are closely intertwined. In fact, there are those who have said that sexual harassment is more about power than it is about sex. It can be nearly impossible to separate the two. They connect in a few key ways.
For one thing, a person may perpetrate sexual harassment as a display of the power that they have. They may believe that it gives them a perceived higher standing in the workplace hierarchy. It may also make them feel powerful because they believe that their position allows them to get something that they want. It is often more about the act of exerting that power than it is about any level of sexual attraction they have for the victim in this situation.
Using power as a shield
Additionally, many people who perpetrate sexual harassment in the workplace are counting on their position as a way to shield themselves from consequences. After all, one reason that employees do not speak up about what they have experienced is that they are afraid of retaliation. A low-level employee who is being harassed by an executive may fear losing their job or being blacklisted in their industry. They may be worried about having their wages or their hours cut.
Of course, retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal. However, the power imbalance between the two parties still makes it a real concern that many victims face.
Understanding your legal options
If you have experienced sexual harassment yourself, it is crucial that you know what legal options you have. This is true both for the initial harassment and for any potential retaliation that takes place after making a report.
An experienced attorney may be able to help. Contact Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, LLP today to schedule a consultation.