July 5th, 2012
Posted in WASHINGTON — Following complaints of sexual harassment, the CIA is stepping up efforts to decrease unwanted sexual abuse.
In what it calls a “zero-tolerance” police, the CIA is cracking down on supervisors and co-workers after women working in CIA war zones complained of sexual harassment.
David Petraeus, director of the CIA, sent a message to the agency staff members last month to emphasize the anti-sexual harassment initiative. He ordered a team to meet with senior officers stationed abroad to investigate sexual harassment complaints.
The effort is the result of 2009 and 2011 surveys that demonstrated sexual harassment was taking place on the field. Several female agents reported having been harassed, often by supervisors.
“This has been going on for years, but it seems to have become more serious,” said a former CIA official who chose to remain anonymous. “The agency has not come up with an effective tool to stop it.”
According to the survey, the majority of the alleged incidents involved sexual jokes or comments. However, more physical attacks were suggested to have occurred, despite their lack of being reported.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime, but sadly, many victims never come forward out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation. It is important for victims of unwanted sexual assault or abuse to know that they have a right to a safe workplace and can come forward to file complaints. If you or someone you know is suffering as the victim of sexual harassment, seek legal assistance immediately with a sexual harassment lawyer.
Sexual harassment lawyers work diligently to ensure the perpetrator is held liable for their actions and that victims obtain compensation for their pain and suffering. Speak to a leading sexual harassment attorney to fight for your rights and rid the workplace of hostility.
Tags: Agency Staff Members, Cia Official, Co Workers, David Petraeus, Director Of The Cia, Embarrassment, Hostility, Legal Assistance, Pain And Suffering, Perpetrator, Retaliation, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment Attorney, Sexual Harassment Complaints, Sexual Harassment Lawyer, Sexual Harassment Lawyers, Sexual Jokes, War Zones, Zero Tolerance
