Female firefighters in South Florida face discrimination, harassment [View all]

Death threats. Timed bathroom visits — for women only. A stolen bathing suit soiled with a coworker's semen.

Experts say bias in the firehouse is still commonplace, despite federal laws against harassment and discrimination.

"It is 2012, but we still have a lot of issues out there," said Jeanne Pashelek, president of the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services. "It ranges from verbal abuse to physical assault to rape."

At least 10 firefighters who still or once worked for Davie, both men and women, have filed complaints with the EEOC alleging discrimination — prompting a visit from U.S. Department of Justice officials.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-women-firefighters-bias-20120709,0,3414912.story