What To Do Following A Sexual Harassment Incident At Work
Just about everyone with a brain knows that sexual harassment is not OK in the workplace, or anywhere else for that matter, and yet it still happens all too frequently. If you find yourself the victim of such harassment, it's understandable if you are feeling frustrated or upset. Here's what you need to do in order to make the situation right and make sure it doesn't happen again.
Write Down the Details
Whether it's a once-off comment or a pattern of behavior or comments over a period of time, you need to start documenting sexual harassment when it happens to you. Write down the date, the approximate time and location of the incident, and the names of anyone involved or anyone else who witnessed it. Keeping a journal of sorts of these incidents will help you recall the information later when it's needed.
Give Your Company a Chance to Do the Right Thing
Nearly every company these days has an HR department or a specific person who is supposed to handle these kinds of complaints. Ideally, your first objection regarding the harassment should be to the person who has wronged you. It's understandable though if you are uncomfortable with a direct confrontation, especially if the person is your superior at the company.
Take your documentation to your company's HR rep and make it clear you are not happy. An internal investigation will likely take place, and it's important to maintain at least a little bit of patience as this process plays out. Hopefully, your company will allow you to keep your distance from the person who harassed you while any investigation is ongoing.
If You Don't Get the Result You Want, You Should Hire an Attorney
In a perfect world, your company will investigate and reprimand or fire the person that wronged you. But our reality is usually far from perfect. If the result of your complaint is not sufficient to you, know that you still have rights and additional recourse. Contact a sexual harassment attorney to start discussing the next steps.
A good attorney may be able to get your company to re-examine the issue at hand. Most companies don't want to end up in court and will be more likely to take another look at the issue if you make it clear that you mean business. In the event your company will not play ball, you may be able to move forward with a lawsuit.
Contact a local sexual harassment attorney if you have been wronged at work and have not received the justice you deserve.
