Key Points to Remember
- California sees more sexual harassment cases than the national average
- Since 2018, there have been 2,691 sexual assaults reported in San Diego
- Of 2,691, only 290 cases resulted in arrests
- 2019 saw the most number of reports, with 690 cases
- The sad part is that San Diego has one of the best arrest rates for sexual assaults
- Most harassment occurs in social settings and workplaces
- You can take action against the harasser with the help of experienced lawyers
San Diego and Sexual Harassment
San Diego is the eighth-most populous city in the United States. Tourists love San Diego for its beaches and other tourist attractions. Every year, many people visit the city to have a good time.
However, San Diego is not a city with zero problems. People in the city face many issues. One among them is sexual harassment. Both men and women encounter this issue. Women more than men.
2,691 is the number of sexual assaults reported in San Diego that we know of. Many sexual harassment cases go unreported. So, the actual number of cases is always a mystery. If you are a victim, remember that sexual harassment law attorneys in San Diego are always there to help you.
Never shy away from filing a complaint.
Punishing these ill-minded people is the only way to reduce the rate of sexual harassment in San Diego.
Emotional Effects of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment not only hurts a person physically but also emotionally.
The harasser violates a person’s body and mind at the same time. No punishment can justify the emotional pain the victim goes through.
Depression
Depression is a common side effect of sexual harassment.
Victims of sexual harassment tend to lose trust in people. This leads to less social engagement.
They kind of engage in self-isolation. This self-isolation inevitably leads to depression, which is a mood disorder. People with depression will experience sudden waves of sadness.
Depression is treatable. Speaking with friends and family can help to some extent. If you want to overcome depression, you need to talk to a good psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists can help sexual harassment victims overcome all kinds of mental health issues.
Do not leave depression untreated. It can have severe side effects, such as:
- Being sad all the time
- Feeling guilty for what happened
- Angry outbursts at friends and family
- Low social engagement
So, to avoid these issues, treat the condition as soon as possible.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a common condition that is triggered by traumatic events.
People who have PTSD will relive the traumatic event many times. Anything can trigger PTSD. When triggered, people suddenly go into a state of shell shock.
Same as depression, PTSD is also treatable with the help of experienced doctors.
Some of the symptoms of PTSD you should know about are:
- Easily startled
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Nightmares
- Avoiding people and the event
- Negative thinking
Speak with a doctor to diagnose your PTSD. PTSD will affect your life to the extent that you can’t live it normally.
The above issues will affect not only you but also those around you.
Other Mental Issues
Mental issues don’t stop with depression and PTSD. Victims of sexual harassment will experience many types of mental issues. Following are some of the mental issues that the victim will experience, along with depression and PTSD:
- Hating themselves for what happened
- Anxiety
- Sleeping disorder
- Eating disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
Most people try to ignore these mental issues. Ignoring these issues can lead to major consequences later in life. So, deal with them as soon as possible.
Dealing with Mental Issues Legally
Filing a report and bringing the harasser to justice is an emotionally draining experience, but it should be done. If you don’t take action, the harasser will abuse others too.
You can’t let that happen.
Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you hold the harasser accountable for their actions.
Remember, you must file a case within three years from the date of the event. Or else you won’t be able to file a case due to the statute of limitations rule.
You can punish the person for the emotional distress they have caused you.
Filing a report is important for the following reasons:
- It will stop the harasser from engaging in such behavior
- Create awareness among people
- Gives hope to other victims who are afraid of filing a report
Being afraid doesn’t help in such situations. Speak with a lawyer and hold the harasser accountable for their actions.
Final Thoughts
Sexual harassment can inflict physical and mental pain. Remember that you can take action and punish the wrongdoer. Filing a report helps others overcome their fear and file a report. Your case can bring much-needed change to San Diego. If you are a victim, do the right thing!
