[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he pastor I had idolized in my early years, turned out to have sexaul harassment charges against him. To add to the shock, the charges were from the church choir director at his new church. Not to mention this all happened when he was married with two kids. A scandal, but more so a hypocrisy. He had stood amongst a congregation of people almost every Sunday, and told them adultery is a sin. Why would a man think they have the right to perform such an act? The answer is simple, power. Often times power leads to the sexual harassment in the workplace. Men in power feel as it is okay to fulfill their desires even when it has a negative impact on others. Sexual harassment is a serious issue in the workplace that needs to be addressed immediately.

Power in the Psychological Aspect

Ever since middle school it has been no secret that generally, men have a higher sex drive than women. This is constantly used as excuse for their inappropriate actions, stating that “boys will be boys”. However, it is not men’s sex drive that cause such incidents

GDJ / Pixabay

but, rather a certain hierarchy that takes place in the brains of men when they are in power. Gwendolyn Seidman reports on Physcology Today,  “When people are high in power, they are more likely to see other people as a means to an end — That is, as a way to satisfy their own goals”. Seeing women as a means to an end relays to the idea that they are seen as objects. This takes away all sense that the men are actually harming someone, or in fact doing something wrong. In no way shape or form is this an excuse for such behavior, in fact it just propels the idea of how wrong it is. They are doing it for the pleasure of themselves while disregarding whomever they are harassing.

Present Almost Everywhere

Sexual harassment is present in all different types of occupations and industries. Although, one piece remains constant throughout almost all allegations, they have to do with men in power.[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] No one is safe from sexual harassment, no matter the industry or position. [/perfectpullquote]

Doug Criss illustrates in a CNN article how “allegations [are] made against powerful men in various industries seemingly almost every day”. From his article he breaks down some of the most recent and known allegations into industries from which include; politics, movie, television, dining, and media (just to name a few). This exemplifies how common and widely ranged this issue truly is. In fact sexual allegations have been made against our very own president. The Huffington Post reported a list of twenty-one women who have all came forward with allegations towards Trump. Women in every work setting are susceptible to sexual harassment. This eye opening statement should lead to the conclusion that something needs to be done in order to protect the livelihood of women within the workplace.

What it Does to Women

More often that not the physiological and physical effects of sexual harassment harm women to an extent that can not be healed. When women feel as if their whole sense of being has been violated they lose a sense of their identity, which has lasting side effects. In an NBCnews article by Nicole Spector she references to Dr. Colleen Cullen, who states , “An experience with sexual harassment can either trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety that are new to the person; or it can exacerbate a previous condition that may have been controlled or resolved. Patients may also see a worsening of symptoms”. Lifelong diseases and side effects arise from the act of sexual harassment. [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]It affects a lot more women than most believe.[/perfectpullquote]

In the same article, Spector quotes Dr. Helen Wilson, “Among women who experience a sexual assault, [ninety] percent who experience sexual violence in the immediate aftermath exhibit symptoms of acute stress”. The act of sexual harassment demeans women as a whole, as it tells them they are not worth being able to feel comfortable in their own workplace.

Stepping in the Right Direction

[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Putting an end to sexual harassment first starts with giving women a voice. [/perfectpullquote]

It is imperative to recognize the steps that need to be taken in order to help prevent and end sexual harassment. A recent movement regarding sexual harassment, the “#metoo” movement, has recently faced criticism from multiple celebrities. Their main concern is that men will now have to tip-toe around women and what they say in the work environment. However, other celebrities and news networks are supporting the movement. Recent allegations have surfaced towards a U.S. Women’s Olympic Coach, Larry Nassar. One of his victims, Mckayla Maroney, signed and was paid 1.25 million dollars to be bounded to a contract issued by the NDA, stating she cannot publicly speak about what happened between her and Nassar. If she were to speak publicly, she would face a one-hundred thousand dollar fine. This tells women that telling their survival story is punishable, which sends the wrong message.

However, Chrissy Teigen, a renowned celebrity took to twitter to step up; “I would be absolutely honored to pay this fine for you, Mikayla”.

The entire principle of this should be fought – an NDA to stay quiet about this serial monster with over 140 accusers, but I would be absolutely honored to pay this fine for you, McKayla. pic.twitter.com/lsBEgEqZpD

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 16, 2018

Not only is this a kind gesture, but it is a step in the right direction in encouraging women to share their stories and to speak their truths. Also taking a huge step towards giving women a voice in this matter is TIME Magazine. TIME named the ‘silence breakers’ the people of 2017. The silence breakers refers to several women across the country who have all came forward throughout the year with their stories. Just like Chrissy Teigen’s encouragement, this gives women the idea that it is okay and right to come forward. Creating the understanding that it is necessary for women to come forward gives women a voice and also gives them the power to stand up against sexual harassment.

Conclusion

Sexual harassment is a huge issue in today’s society. It is happening way too often, to the point where it is reported in the media daily. In order to reach a common ground on the issue we first have to understand it. Understand why men in power think they can take advantage of women, then understand how to prevent it. Women may have all the same legal rights as men, but they still are not equal. Women will not be considered equal until we as a society learn to give them a voice. Men in power are living in this so called ‘powerhouse’, and it is most definitely time for them to move out.

Featured Image from Stock Snap / Pixabay / CCO