The #Me Too movement has turned sexual harassment into a hot topic online, in the media, and in casual conversation. This week, a panel of experts in Billings sat down together to discuss sexual harassment, assault and resources in the state of Montana.
Panelist William Mattix, a partner at Crowley Fleck in Billings, advises and represents employers.
Mattix said the #MeToo movement has played a part in building awareness about sexual harassment in and out the workplace. He said it’s certainly more highly publicized now than it has been in the past.
“Maybe that makes employers more sensitive to the issue and more aware, but the law hasn’t changed in a very long time," Mattix said. "So the things that employers are doing now to respond to these sort of situations and these allegations are the same things that they should have been doing all along.”
He said sometimes inappropriate interactions in the office can be traced back to poor communication, misunderstandings and weak boundaries. Other times, Mattix said it’s about power dynamics and a conscious decision on the part of a supervisor.
Mattix was joined on the panel by a Montana deputy attorney general and two licensed professional counselors. They discussed sexual assault and sexual harassment at large and the resources available.
