Workplace Sexual Harassment in America: A State-by-State Analysis
Workplace sexual harassment, characterized by unwanted advances or inappropriate sexual references, continues to be a significant challenge in the American workforce. Research consistently shows its devastating impact on both employee well-being and workplace performance.
## The Impact of Workplace Sexual Harassment
The consequences of workplace sexual harassment extend far beyond the immediate incident. Victims often experience:
- Mental health issues including psychological distress, anxiety, and depression
- Physical health problems leading to increased illness and absenteeism
- Elevated risk of suicide and suicide attempts
## New Research Reveals State-by-State Variations
A recent study by J & Y Law has uncovered significant geographic variations in workplace sexual harassment rates across the United States. The research combined data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, creating an "Exploitation Score" based on per capita workplace injuries and sexual harassment cases.
### Top 10 States with Highest Exploitation Scores
1. **North Dakota** (Score: 83.3)
- 333 workplace injuries per capita
- 337 sexual harassment cases per capita
- Ranks as the most abusive state for workers
2. **Alaska** (Score: 74.7)
- 500 workplace injuries per capita (highest in the U.S.)
- 166 sexual harassment cases per capita (third highest)
3. **Vermont** (Score: 55.3)
- 226 workplace injuries per capita
- 220 sexual harassment cases per capita
4. **Minnesota** (Score: 42.5)
- 411 injuries per capita (second highest)
- 9 sexual harassment cases per capita
5. **Nebraska** (Score: 41.7)
- 267 injuries per capita
- 101 sexual harassment cases per capita
6. **Iowa** (Score: 39.7)
- 343 workplace injuries per capita (third highest)
- 36 sexual harassment cases per capita
7. **Indiana** (Score: 34.4)
- 280 injuries per capita
- 43 sexual harassment cases per capita
- 1,451 total reported cases (fifth highest overall)
8. **South Dakota** (Score: 33.2)
- 316 injuries per capita
- 10 sexual harassment cases per capita
9. **Kentucky** (Score: 32.7)
- 312 injuries per capita
- 10 sexual harassment cases per capita
10. **Oregon** (Score: 31.6)
- 310 injuries per capita
- 4 sexual harassment cases per capita (lowest among top 10)
## The Silent Majority: Underreporting Remains a Critical Issue
According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, the majority of sexual harassment victims remain silent:
- 72% never report the incident
- 54% don't confront their harasser
## Resources and Support
If you experience workplace sexual harassment, several options are available:
### Internal Resources
- Speak directly with the involved person if possible
- Report to your human resources department
- Consult with your manager
### External Support
1. **National Suicide Prevention Lifeline**
- 24/7 free and confidential support
- Phone: 800-273-8255
2. **Professional Organizations**
- NavexGlobal: Provides sexual harassment training for organizations
- Operations Inc: Serves as an unbiased third-party expert for reporting incidents
## Expert Perspectives
Researchers classify workplace sexual harassment as both an occupational hazard and a significant public health concern. They emphasize the urgent need for:
- New prevention strategies
- Improved reporting systems
- Mental health screening for victims
- Treatment programs to prevent long-term mental health issues
The study's sponsors at J & Y Law view these findings as a crucial tool for combating workplace cultures that enable poor conditions for American workers. They call for immediate action from employers and policymakers to strengthen workplace safety and protection standards.