I recently attended a job training where the new employees (directed at the females) were told not to wear clothing that "invited" particular comments/actions that were considered to be sexual harassment. There was an emphasis on what women could/could not wear without similar restrictions being outlined for men. Why is the fault of sexual harassment falling on the victim and their clothing/style choices rather than on the perpetrator? Seriously... Victim shame much? ...
(PSA: Victims can be male or female, and perpetrators can be male or female. However, for this particular instance, my manager was emphasizing male harassment towards women in the work place.)
So...
Dear employers and HR Departments, do not shame women for their body, its natural differences, and the actions of others that are outside of their control. Women and men are both not responsible for the actions/words of others. In no way, is an outfit ever responsible for acts of sexual harassment.
In addition, the fault of sexual harassment always lies with the perpetrator. NEVER should a woman/man feel shamed regarding actions that were not their own.... or be made to feel that their own work environment would not support them if (in the horrible happenstance) an incident of sexual harassment would occur.
I honestly can't believe that I am even writing this... did I mention that the person training me was a woman? Literally girl to girl body shaming and its not okay. Makes my heart hurt, but also makes me realize the importance of raising awareness about sexual harassment and how it can actually be combated..... not just telling girls that they should dress more conservatively.
(PSA: Victims can be male or female, and perpetrators can be male or female. However, for this particular instance, my manager was emphasizing male harassment towards women in the work place.)
So...
Dear employers and HR Departments, do not shame women for their body, its natural differences, and the actions of others that are outside of their control. Women and men are both not responsible for the actions/words of others. In no way, is an outfit ever responsible for acts of sexual harassment.
In addition, the fault of sexual harassment always lies with the perpetrator. NEVER should a woman/man feel shamed regarding actions that were not their own.... or be made to feel that their own work environment would not support them if (in the horrible happenstance) an incident of sexual harassment would occur.
I honestly can't believe that I am even writing this... did I mention that the person training me was a woman? Literally girl to girl body shaming and its not okay. Makes my heart hurt, but also makes me realize the importance of raising awareness about sexual harassment and how it can actually be combated..... not just telling girls that they should dress more conservatively.
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