FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
June 2014
FREE
Volume 24, Number 6
An In-Depth Look at Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
E
veryone deserves a safe and welcoming work environment. Yet, women too often fall victim to sexual harassment in the workplace. An investigation conducted by the Center for Investigative Reporting on the prevalence of sexual harassment against female workers discovered that hundreds, if not thousands, of women who work in agriculture have been forced into sex in order to keep their jobs. Often, female farmworkers put up with constant unwelcomed grabbing or touching by their supervisors, and this behavior is only one of many examples of ways women may be sexually harassed at work.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical behavior of a sexual nature that affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment. This may include: n Comments of a sexual nature n Lustful and inappropriate stares n Unwanted touching n Taunting and hostility n Verbal abuse n Physical violence n Assault and rape Women farmworkers may feel forced to endure sexual encounters in order to protect their family. An individual may tolerate unwanted physical activity to keep their jobs and/or homes. Sexual harassment can make a victim feel
guilty, but it is important to remember that it is never the victim’s fault. Sexual behaviors without consent are not acceptable and something no one should have to experience. Unfortunately, many assaulters are not held accountable for their actions. Few women come forward to talk about past and current sexual harassment because they are ashamed, fear their abuser, or fear immigration laws. It is vital that women seek help and speak to someone about their situation. If an assaulter is held responsible for their actions, future assaults can be prevented. You do not need to be a citizen or legal permanent resident to get a protection order, but it is important to consult a domestic violence advocate, or an immigration attorney first. There has been progress to end
workplace victimization and to create a safe work place for women farmworkers. This year, California Senate Bill (SB) 1087 was introduced into the Legislature. Under SB 1087, labor licenses will be taken away from any employer who sexually harasses their employees. Other bills are also making their way through the California Legislature to crack down on employers and prevent sexual harassment, by enforcing strict sexual harassment training for farm supervisors, and all other farm worker employees. While someone may never experience sexual harassment in the workplace, one may notice a colleague in the field who has or is experiencing it. Many women prefer not to talk about sexual assault experiences or do not exhibit any signs of harassment, but there are key signs that a woman may be being abused. Some signs of sexual harassment are: n Withdrawing from social activities n Extreme changes in behavior n Fear of a person or place n Frequent washing or bathing Continued on next page