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Post by NToor on Oct 26, 2017 20:53:00 GMT -4
Sexual assault or sexual harassment, both can have a huge and disastrous impact on a person's life. It not only affects the person psychologically but also physically, especially when it is experienced for a longer period of time. These incidents have a life long affect in some people's lives. Even though some victims are able to get rid of the symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD over time, with the help of social support but not everyone has that support in their lives. It very important that if anyone around the victim is aware of any such situation, should bring it up. It might help not only that one person but also many other people who couldn't speak up for themselves. It is very sad and shameful, that such incidents still take place.
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Post by medstudent89 on Oct 27, 2017 0:58:23 GMT -4
Brittany Assanah (UMHS)
Maybe one of the simplest concept in the entire article but worth its weight in gold- if you see something say something, and to add to that in light of recent events- say something sooner rather than later. In the wake of the Weinstein scandal so many men and women have come forward to state that they’re were either victim or witnessed sexual harassment and assault as a regular part of the culture at the Weinstein company. Each victim certainly goes through their own process of whether or not to share their story but this case highlights the question if one persons’ suffering could have saved another’s. Once the brave women stepped forward, the company was forced to take action and Weinstein was forced out. What if those male actors who all stepping forward now and spoke about how “disgusted they were” with Weinstein’s behavior had stepped forward years ago, and used their clear advantage to save countless women the experience of being harassed by Weinstein?
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Post by medstudent89 on Oct 27, 2017 1:27:56 GMT -4
Brittany Assanah (UMHS)
Maybe one of the simplest concept in the entire article but worth its weight in gold- if you see something say something, and to add to that in light of recent events- say something sooner rather than later. In the wake of the Weinstein scandal so many men and women have come forward to state that they’re were either victim or witnessed sexual harassment and assault as a regular part of the culture at the Weinstein company. Each victim certainly goes through their own process of whether or not to share their story but this case highlights the question if one persons’ suffering could have saved another’s. Once the brave women stepped forward, the company was forced to take action and Weinstein was forced out. What if those male actors who all stepping forward now and spoke about how “disgusted they were” with Weinstein’s behavior had stepped forward years ago, and used their clear advantage to save countless women the experience of being harassed by Weinstein?
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Post by Fiyinfolu Mustapha on Oct 27, 2017 14:35:49 GMT -4
I enjoyed reading this article as it addresses the physical and emotional effects of sexual harassment and assault. These two topics should never be taken lightly and hopefully companies will place more emphasis on encouraging its employees to speak out. Recent scandals involving Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby has brought, what I see, both the good and ugly in society. Ugly in that there are some individuals who've actually dismissed the victims accusations as 'its been over 10+ years, they probably need money'. If for anything, this article hushes ignorant thoughts about victims seeking financial gain or publicity and highlights the importance of colleagues to defend said victims and apply empathy to their situation. Victims of sexual assault/harassment suffer in silence for years before being able to tell what happened. The way Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby lured, baited and attacked these women is truly disgusting and what makes one want to vomit is the amount of women they've done it to. Women are not pieces of flesh to be used at one's disposal. Thankfully more women are speaking out against Harvey Weinstein and hopefully this will expose more predators in the industry and beyond.
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Post by robin chowdhury on Oct 30, 2017 3:48:59 GMT -4
It is no surprise that sexual harassment in workplaces can have such a big impact on people’s careers. As Dr Cullen states in this article, going through this experience early in their career can lead them to doubt their self worth, and even shatter their confidence as they progress further into their careers. The idea of how the area of the brain that processes emotions is nearby the brainstem, thereby leading to physical symptoms like body aches and headaches is an interesting one. I also believe that people who are stressed, especially if we are speaking about these employees who are being sexually harassed, have impaired functioning, like sleep and diet and exercise; I believe that these also play a role in the physical symptoms that develop from stress/trauma.
This article gives a very good message about not staying quiet. If one person is dealing with this situation at the same workplace, it is very likely there are others as well. One person alone may want to speak out, but will not do so unless the victims come together as one, giving each other the confidence to stand up for themselves. These small actions can make a very huge impact on their emotions, and their health as well.
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Post by Kemar Harewood on Nov 3, 2017 12:59:48 GMT -4
Sexual harassment and abuse can have very devastating effects on the victim. In light of the new instances of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry sexual harassment has been put in the forefront. It was interesting to see that studies have shown that sexual harassment has the same link to PTSD, anxiety, and depression as more violent act of rape. What was also I retesting is the social effects specific to the workplace. For example they may feel like their professional accomplishments were due to the sexual favour they had to complete. Another issue is the perceived favouritism, and anxiety surrounding the thought of eventually having to pay back their unwanted suitor. What also stood out to me is the fact that these happenings often go unreported. It speaks to the need for an avenue and public awareness on the matter so that victims can come forward and also seek psychiatric help.
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Post by rahimjiwani on Nov 4, 2017 18:04:05 GMT -4
this article is well timed with all the sexual harassment claims going on in the media, especially in the movie industry with Harvey wienstein. these cases and allegations are all popping up at the same time which seems to point to the fact that people are afraid to come forward, and it took a few brave people to bring light to the issue to prompt others to come forward. sexual harassment is all too common especially in the work place and has been witnessed by many of us. I believe advocacy programs to for individuals to come forward and not feel like there will be negative repercussions for speaking up about what they experienced. The fact that a majority of people dont come forward when it happens and keep in internalized means that there is a subsequent increase is mental health issues as others on here have stated. I believe as a health care worker we need to recognize at risk individuals with high clinical suspicion in the same way we do for child abuse or elderly abuse to help patients and provide them with the care they need.
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Post by alexzayid on Nov 5, 2017 19:06:28 GMT -4
According to a report by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, while one in four women experience harassment in the workplace, over 90% of these victims won't file a complaint. Given the current state of our countries leadership, that statistic is unfortunately not surprising. In a culture where focus and awareness is lacking for mental health, citizens are not educated enough to understand that being "crazy" is not a sufficient enough diagnosis to treat and hopefully cure a patients underlying disease. But that is the issue in itself, many don't see mental health deterioration as a disease the same way they see cancer or diabetes. We as a community need to work on changing the stigma of mental health diseases and build an understanding of how serious they can truly be. Once this is understood amongst the vast majority of people, we can hopefully lower that 90% "stay quiet" rate and encourage victims to speak out when sexually harassed by letting them know that "we" understand what they are going through.
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Post by T Sahi on Nov 5, 2017 21:08:49 GMT -4
This article ties effortlessly with the #metoo campaign, which is meant to help women of sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. The #metoo campaign lets women and men share their stories without being put on the spotlight, and has shown how dense this issue really is. I had no idea that denying the abuse was more harmful and can cause physical symptoms like hair loss. The article does a great job at describing how to spot subtle symptoms that a colleague might be suffering and how you can help. Most times victims feel as if it was their fault and do not speak out in fear of judgement or possibly losing their job. I like that the author offers alternative methods to receive help, not all victims can afford professional help. Low income individuals should not have to suffer through the trauma because they can not afford the therapy needed to recover. I think the more we talk about the issue the less people will fear to speak up about their trauma.
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Post by ms3adhamy on Nov 7, 2017 14:03:25 GMT -4
It is interesting to know how many victims of sexual harassment or abuse keep silent about the topic or just mention it so casually without understanding what psychological impact it may create on them. According to Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, a licensed psychologist, her statement in the article refers to patients “somatizing”, where the pain or trauma is put to sleep in a state of denial. In the long run, this kind of denial can turn into physical symptoms. Preexisting health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression are common, and in victims of sexual harassment, such conditions become more difficult to deal with. The article does a good job referencing clinical psychologists who mention how sexual harassment in a workforce can be devastating. This would fit well explaining why employees leave their jobs or have breakdowns. Anxiety, panic attacks, and low-self-esteem while commuting to work and performing work tasks can all alter a mental health of an individual. Victims of sexual harassment always reel in other victims once they speak out. We see this example well-defined revolving celebrities. The first few females who finally called out Bill Cosby ended up reeling in dozens of other sexually victimized women. Recently, McKayla Maroney who plays for the USA gymnastics finally had the confidence to report being sexually victimized by her team doctor Larry Nassar. Within days, other victims also went public about being sexually victimized by Dr. Nassar. Mckayla was first sexually harassed at age 13 and continued to be harassed all while under being unconscious. Dr. Nassar would tell her she needs a sleeping pill or a sedative to relax after a long flight going to a match. McKayla would always wake up feeling victimized. References McKayla Maroney alleges USA Gymnastics doctor abused her at 13 AnneClaire Stapleton-Eric Levenson - www.cnn.com/2017/10/18/us/mckayla-maroney-me-too-abuse/index.html
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