“Sexual harassment is a type of of sexual violence — the phrase we use to describe any sexual activity or act that happened without consent. Other types of sexual violence include rape and sexual assault.”
"Sexual harassment and assault are prevalent in our society and cause significant harm. In the U.S. more than one-third of adult women report having experienced sexual assault, and between 40 and 75 percent have endured harassment in the workplace."
"Dr. Colleen Cullen, a licensed clinical psychologist, notes that for victims of sexual harassment, the most common diagnoses are depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)."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," says Dr. Cullen. "Some research has found that sexual harassment early in one's career in particular can [cause] long-term depressive symptoms."Someone going through or dealing with the aftermath of sexual harassment may also exhibit symptoms of PTSD, especially if the harassment leads to violence and/or assault."
