Overview
This case study details a harrowing experience of workplace sexual harassment. The victim, a female employee, endured a series of explicit and disturbing advances from a male owner of the business. The harassment, which escalated from suggestive comments to explicit offers, created a hostile work environment and caused significant emotional distress.
Background
The victim was employed at a local restaurant. Initially, the work environment seemed relatively normal. However, as time progressed, the male owner began to exhibit increasingly inappropriate behavior.
Escalating Harassment
The harassment began with subtle, yet disturbing, comments about the victim’s physical appearance. The owner’s behavior quickly escalated to more explicit and threatening advances:
- Sexual harassment: The owner made repeated sexually suggestive comments and propositions such as comments about her breasts and whether they appeared natural or like plastic surgery and envisioning the victim naked.
- Intimidation: The owner used threats and intimidation to coerce the victim into complying with his demands.
- Exploitation: The owner attempted to exploit the victim’s financial situation by offering monetary incentives for sexual favors. In one instance he offered the victim over $1000 to “behave” with him.
The owner/perpetrator was later discovered to be organizing his business near minors at a local school. The victim’s experiences highlight the pervasive nature of workplace sexual harassment and the devastating impact it can have on individuals.
