Reply #29: I wish this wasn't still happening

[dmr]

I've experienced sexual harassment during my time in the work force. Back in the 70s one of my superiors would 'handle' me. He'd caress my arm, massage my neck & back, 'innocently' brush against my breasts, patted my butt or grab my waist. All in good fun he would say when I'd ask him to stop.

When I was doing an internship at a drugstore, the pharmacist's son dragged me (literally) inside a closet, I had to fight my way out of it. Still makes me sick to think about that episode.

In 1980, I had a boss who would constantly 'hang' out with me while I performed my job. He arranged my breaks & lunch hour after everyone else had theirs, then he'd follow me wherever I went. It got to be where I took no breaks, even though he'd still 'hang' out at my work area. All the while telling me how a great 'fit' we were together, we'd make a great couple, & how impressed I'd be about his new condo, new boat etc. I'd go home & actually throw up.

One day, I managed to sneak a way for lunch. He sent a co-worker to the cafeteria to fetch me back because I had an emergency phone call from my sister, who was pregnant & due anytime. When I returned there was no emergency phone call, it was ruse to get me back. He was waiting inside the office for me steaming mad that I went to lunch without him! He locked the door & lunged at me. I managed to get out of that office, grabbed my purse & fled. I never returned. I should have filed charges & if I were then the woman I am today, I would sue the shit out of him & our employer for not providing me a safe place in which to work.

These are just 3 men that stand out in my life that not only made my working life hell, but also made my life in general hell, as well.

I feel for you. I don't think those at the EEOC who are making decisions fully understand how truly awful it is to be a working woman around men who think they can say & do anything without repercussions.