Client Alerts
More Men Filing Sexual Harassment Claims
March 2010
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports an increase in the sexual harassment complaints filed by men, roughly 16% in fiscal 2009, up from 15.4% in fiscal 2006. The Wall Street Journal reports the increase coincides with the higher rate of unemployment for men. From September 2008 to January 2010, 4.4 million have lost their jobs compared with 2.3 million women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While the EEOC does not track the sex of the alleged harasser, there has been a noticeable increase in same-sex harassment lawsuits filed by men in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Some experts believe the incidents are still under-reported because of the stigma associated with men who are sexually harassed.
Trial lawyers see a tough fight to win before a jury. While most juries are sympathetic to women being unable to defend themselves against men, many don’t understand, "Why didn’t the guy just hit him upside the head?"
Employers are advised to review their anti-harassment policies and training materials to ensure they do not inadvertently convey the message that only women can be victims of sexual harassment.
