Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace for Illinois Professionals, 2nd edition: Summary 38 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Eating Disorders Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder may develop. Some survivors of sexual harassment use food to establish control over their lives and deal with trauma. Warning signs of eating disorders include dramatic weight gain or loss; preoccupation with food, calories, and dieting; frequent trips to the bathroom to purge food that has been eaten; and refusing to eat out. Sleep Disorders Symptoms of sleep disorders include sleeping too much or too little, or difficulty hastening or maintaining sleep. Proper rest is essential for good health. Evaluation of sleep and rest should be part of the interventions for persons who have been sexually harassed. Suicide As previously noted, persons who have experienced trauma and suffer from depression or PTSD are at risk for suicide. Sexual harassment survivors should be evaluated for suicidal ideation.
If the harassment includes physical contact, bacterial or viral STIs may be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral contact. Pregnancy may also be a concern if the harassment includes sexual activity. Substance Abuse Persons who have been sexually harassed may seek ways to feel better and escape dealing with the stress and impact of the trauma. Dissociation Dissociation is detachment from reality and can range from mild—for example, daydreaming— to severe when it becomes chronic and makes it difficult to function at work, at home, or in social situations.
CASE STUDY 1
Jason is a newly promoted director of behavioral health. He worked hard for this promotion and is eager to fulfill his responsibilities as part of the management team. Jason currently serves on an interdisciplinary task force. The organization’s chief executive officer (CEO) frequently attends these task force meetings.
After one of these meetings, the CEO stops Jason and asks that he make an appointment to discuss Jason’s ideas. Jason is flattered and makes the appointment with Mark Williams, the CEO. When Jason arrives, Mark encourages him to sit down next to him on the couch in his office. Pictures of Mark’s wife and three children are displayed prominently around the office. As Jason begins to explain his ideas, Mark nods and places his hand on Jason’s upper thigh. Mark smiles and says, “You know, Jason, I really admire you. You have a great work ethic and innovative ideas. I am in a position to help you advance in your career. I think we could become good friends and enjoy ourselves outside of the workplace as well. Our friendship could benefit both of us, and no one ever needs to know.” Jason is horrified. “What do I do?” he thinks. “This guy is a married man with kids who is propositioning me! He could really mess up my career. What do I do? Who do I tell? Would anyone believe me?”
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