Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Harassment for Nurses & Mental Health Professionals 

Fulfills requirement: Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention

The #MeToo social media campaign has brought greater attention to the widespread prevalence of sexual harassment and power imbalances in the workplace. Between 25% and 50% of women state that they have been sexually harassed on the job. Although the percentages are substantially lower among men, sexual harassment likely does occur more often than reported. The majority of people who experience sexual harassment never even discuss it with their supervisor, manager, or union representative. They may fear retaliation or job loss, have concerns about whether it might impact their reputation, or feel embarrassed or ashamed. They also may believe that reporting will be ineffective in changing their workplace culture or in bringing about justice.

What if you as a clinician experienced sexual harassment from a supervisor or coworker? What if you became aware of inappropriate behavior in a supervisor directed toward a co-worker or a client? What if you, your supervisee, or co-worker developed sexual feelings toward a client and need to keep those feelings in check? What if your supervisee or client started acting in a manner that is sexually inappropriate toward you? What if your client presented in therapy with significant trauma from sexual harassment and needs your support? Would you respond confidently and in ways that are consistent with legal and ethical guidelines and best clinical practice?

This course will help clinicians review the laws and professional ethics codes related to sexual harassment and sexual relationships. It is designed to help clinicians address colleagues’ inappropriate behavior, identify red flags in their own behavior, as well as understand the detrimental effects of sexual harassment on their clients. Information is provided pertaining on how to support individuals who are at high risk of becoming victims that are often reluctant to make a report and/or seek treatment.

Supplementary content is available for clinicians in Illinois. This information explains what constitutes sexual harassment with language consistent with the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA); provides examples of conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment; summarizes relevant federal and Illinois statutory provisions; and outlines exactly what employers need to do to prevent harassment, investigate complaints, and take corrective and remedial measures in Illinois.