Welcome to guest blogger and OT Jaclyn Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L
Did you know that that 40% of clinicians, 30% of
students, and 60% of female academic faculty and staff have experienced sexual
harassment? These statistics are alarming, and they hit close to home for many
in our profession, particularly as being female doubles the likelihood of
sexual harassment.
Keep reading to discover : - What constitutes sexual harassment
- The impact of sexual harassment
- How addressing sexual harassment in the workplace upholds the OT profession's value
It's time to break the silence and equip ourselves
with the knowledge to recognize, prevent, and address sexual harassment in our
field.
As occupational therapy practitioners, we dedicate our careers to improving the lives of others. But what happens when our own professional environment becomes hostile or unsafe? Sexual harassment in healthcare settings is a pervasive issue that too often goes unaddressed. It's time to break the silence and equip ourselves with the knowledge to recognize, prevent, and address sexual harassment in our field.
Sexual harassment isn't just about unwanted
advances. It encompasses a range of behaviors, from gender harassment and
unwanted sexual attention to sexual coercion. It can be ambient or directly
targeted, and it's not always obvious. Understanding these nuances is crucial
for creating safer work environments for all OT practitioners.
The impact of sexual harassment goes far beyond momentary discomfort. Victims often experience significant psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and even PTSD symptoms. Physical health can suffer too, with issues ranging from sleep problems to chronic pain. Professionally, sexual harassment can lead to lower job satisfaction, decreased productivity, and can even derail promising careers.
As OT practitioners, we have an ethical obligation to address this issue. Our Code of Ethics principles of Nonmaleficence and Fidelity require us to refrain from actions that cause harm and to treat colleagues with respect and integrity. By educating ourselves about sexual harassment, we're not just protecting ourselves – we're upholding the values of our profession.
Breaking the silence starts with education! You can also prevent sexual harassment through actions as an employee, bystander, and through company policies.
For immediate support or resources related to sexual harassment, remember these helplines are available:
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
National sexual violence resource center https://www.nsvrc.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
https://hotline.rainn.org/online
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
I'm inviting you to attend our upcoming
presentation, "Recognizing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in
Occupational Therapy." This comprehensive session will cover:
·
Defining different forms of sexual harassment
·
Recognizing risk factors in our work
environments
·
Understanding the impact on victims and our
profession
·
Learning strategies for prevention and
intervention
·
Exploring real-world case studies
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the
solution. By attending, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to
create a safer, more respectful work environment for yourself and your
colleagues.
Remember, breaking the silence starts with
education. Join us in taking this important step towards addressing sexual
harassment in occupational therapy. Together, we can make a difference. 
