• 06
  • December
    2011

In our current economy, many people feel pressed to take jobs they would not normally consider. Interns are willing to work in unpaid positions in attempts to gain that coveted "foot in the door" with reputable companies. However, what is the real cost when young adults in San Francisco take internships?

Sexual harassment, it seems.

Aside from the low pay and duties like refilling coffee cups, interns often feel as though they cannot report sexual harassment. Many interns are afraid that bringing negative attention to other coworkers will negatively impact their future with the company.

One study found that 49 percent of interns who were questioned experienced at least one form of sexual harassment. However, very few of those young adults reported the crimes.

Interns often feel inferior at the workplace, make little -- if any -- income, and may report to several superiors. In the hopes of getting hired, interns are often dismissive of inappropriate behavior.

In addition, the laws regarding inters' rights are a bit unclear. With most sexual harassment cases, individuals who are interested in filing lawsuits file the case against the employer, not the offender. However, there is often an unclear distinction as to whether interns are actually employees of the company, especially if they're unpaid.

Even if individuals do not have the legal right to compensation, contacting an experienced employment law attorney can still be beneficial. Working with lawyers often enables interns to instigate change at their companies. Interns who are unable to receive compensation can help make sure the rights of other interns are not violated.

Source: Chicago Tribune, "Sexually harassed interns often feel they have nowhere to turn," Vikki Ortiz Healy, Nov. 25, 2011