HOUSTON, Texas. According to QZ, approximately 1 in 5 college women will experience some form of sexual violence or sexual harassment during their college years. These acts of violence can have a major impact on women’s lives. Women may suffer psychological illness and physical illness stemming from sexual assault and harassment, leading to increased health costs. Yet, the cost of health care alone is not the only price that women pay when they suffer sexual harassment.
If women end up dropping out of school, transferring to another school, or changing majors due to sexual harassment or assault, how does this affect a woman’s earning potential? What happens if the psychological impact of the assault affects a woman’s ability to work? According to QZ, some researchers are now working to understand how assault and sexual harassment impacts a woman’s earning power. One researcher is looking into how many women transfer schools after suffering sexual assault or violence. Another researcher is looking into the ways sexual harassment and assault impacts learning outcomes. PTSD can also affect a person’s performance, leading to poorer grades and possibly poorer outcomes.
This research might be transferable to the area of on-the-job sexual harassment and assault, where women who suffer from on-the-job harassment may find that their performance slides. How much of the pay gap between women and men is attributable to sexual harassment? How much of it can be attributed to women leaving high-paying jobs to escape a harasser? These decisions can all have major consequences on a woman’s earning capacity and career future.
Another woman spoke to QZ about the long-term impact her rape has had on her life. While it is understandable to discuss the role that sexual harassment plays on the job, sexual harassment in a college environment can be just as devastating for a woman’s career and future. For women who have struggled with sexual assault on campus, they may enter the workforce with preconceived notions and may already be in self-protection mode. This can impact their opportunities.
While there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence about women changing careers and jobs after suffering sexual harassment and assault, these numbers have not been quantified or studied. Title IX is a law that prohibits limiting a person’s access to education based on their gender and other factors. As college sexual harassment and assault increases, more women are coming forward with Title IX lawsuits.
Some women may have more avenues to seek recourse. For example, if you are working as a graduate assistant, research assistant, or teaching assistant, and suffer sexual harassment on the job, you may have additional workplace protections. However, women on campus are sometimes afraid to speak out against their advisors or supervisors because these individuals can often have an immense sway over the course of their career.
If you have suffered harassment on the job, you may have important rights under the law. Visit Moore & Associates, a Houston, Texas employment law attorney who may be able to review your case and help you understand your rights. Our firm may be able to help you seek justice. Visit us at https://www.mooreandassociates.net/ to learn more.
Moore & Associates
440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675
Houston, TX 77002
713-581-9001
