What To Do If You’re Being Sexually Harassed At Work (Part Three)
Keep reporting it – Every time you document something in your own log, you should simultaneously report it as well to be added to your original complaint. Even if you think it was a misunderstanding or something insignificant, report it anyway. Sometimes it’s the subtle build-up of little seemingly insignificant events that create that hostile work environment that is so hard to pinpoint legally. Some victims feel like they are making themselves a nuisance by making repeated complaints or that they will be targeted as a “problem employee.” That in itself maybe retaliation by the employer and is also illegal. Remember: You are your own best advocate and you are building your case. Report everything.
Find support because you’re not alone – Being harassed is never pleasant and can often feel isolating and alienating. Your co-workers have stopped associating with you because you rocked the boat. Your supervisor has stopped supporting you because you’re causing them extra paperwork. Traumatic events in your personal history can be triggered by this offensive and abusive conduct and can cause a number of physiological and psychological problems that can affect every area of your life. There are numerous support groups you can join and sometimes your HR department can point you in the direction of employee assistance programs for just such a purpose.
If there are safety issues, file a police report immediately – If your harasser is stalking, threatening, or assaulting you, call the police and file a report immediately. No matter if any of the harassment spills out of the workplace and into your personal life, you have a right to be safe from harm. Filing a police report shows you’re serious and alerts the authorities that you are in a vulnerable situation and need protection. At the very least, the report is on file with a third-party which can lend credibility to your case down the road.
If there are medical or psychological issues, see your doctor immediately – As mentioned above, harassment can take a toll on you that might surprise you. Trouble eating, sleeping, and working can appear as a result of being the victim of sexual harassment. You may also experience issues with your personal sex life, exacerbation of existing medical or psychological issues and other manifestations of feeling vulnerable and exposed in your workplace. Seek out a doctor who can help you with these issues and retain your medical records in case they are needed later to show your damages.
When to quit – I know, I know. I said “don’t quit” at the beginning of this article back in Part One. But there are instances where quitting means protecting yourself from harm, a nervous breakdown or if your employer refuses to protect you after multiple attempts to get shelter from your harasser. The courts say that if you sue after quitting you have weakened your case considerably. So only quit if you’re truly risking your health, welfare or sanity.
You have the right to work in an environment that is free of harassment based on gender or sex. Henrichsen Siegel has helped many clients break out of this distressing and unacceptable situation. Contact us today to resolve this matter and ease your mind. We represent clients in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Georgia.
Protect your rights.
(Editor’s Note: This article has been split into three parts)