Male Victims of Sexual Harassment

While there is the general belief that only female employees are the victims of sexual harassment of any type, this is untrue. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that men are just as commonly victims of sexual harassment as women. While the evidence suggests that it exists on the same level, there are fewer cases reported by men.

It is generally accepted that all women are at some degree of risk of sexual harassment. Men are also subject to varying degrees of risk of sexual harassment. Factors contributing to men being made targets include seeming vulnerable and appearing to reject the male stereotype. Behaviors that contribute to rejecting the male stereotype include refraining from sexual joking, wearing an earring to work, and admitting to doing housework all play a role in sexual harassment. Being financially vulnerable has also been show to contribute to harassment of a male employee.

The majority of studies have focused on men-to-women sexual harassment. Newer studies have placed more of the emphasis on same sex harassment and women-to-men harassment. The studies involved specific questions that allowed victims not only to express whether or not they had been sexually harassed but also included questions regarding lifestyle and personality.

When the results are compiled in the newer studies, it shows that the aggressors or harassers of sexual harassment cases are men who are flaunting their heterosexual masculinity over anyone who does not exhibit the same tendencies. Basically, they are flaunting their masculinity over all forms of femininity. Victims of this type of sexual harassment included women, of course, but also men in same-sex sexual harassment. The male victims typically challenged the stereotypical male ideals and roles in life.

Contact a Houston Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the Houston employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group today at 713-482-6910.