Search for Justice: A Woman's Path to Renewed Self-Esteem from the Fear, Shame, and Anger of Sexual Harassment and Employment Discriminati

This collaboration between a sexual harassment victim and a NOW chapter president merges the personal and political with riveting and accessible results. With experience as an Air Force medic and a General Motors welder, Holcombe was accustomed to male-dominated environments, but nothing could have prepared her for working for Shell Oil. While employed at an offshore facility, she was assaulted both physically and mentally by her male co-workers, including one who masturbated in front of her, one who urinated on her and another who attempted to rape her. She felt for years that she had to endure this torment, particularly since the male superintendent of her division initially warned her that he would ``personally do whatever was necessary'' to force her out. Each chapter ends with one of Wellington's even-toned summaries of the social causes and effects of sexual harassment, both relative to Holcombe and to a wider context. A helpful appendix gives concrete suggestions for other victims, including keeping a detailed diary of encounters with a harasser and using informal as well as formal structures for support. (Oct.)