Sexual Harassment in The Workplace
It is no secret that there are more sexual harassment cases going on than we realize. More people are being sexually harassed in the workplace and not reporting it than ever. The victim may feel like their voice is silenced by those around them that enable or downright support the perpetrator. Fortunately, there are solutions available that you can use to take action to protect yourself and seek the justice that you deserve. If you have been looking up how to file a sexual harassment lawsuit then look no further than to this guide to help you find the vindication that you need.
Fighting Back Against Quid Pro Quo
Is your boss or superior offering you a promotion at your job but is asking for sexual favors in return? Not only is this incredibly degrading but it is extremely illegal. Your best course of action is to compile as much information as possible on these happenings. Text messages, photos, emails, verbal exchanges, anything that can incriminate the perpetrator is key to help you build your case whenever you take this to court eventually.
Document Everything
Has your new supervisor been coming onto you more recently? Are they making inappropriate comments and touching you whenever you are not comfortable with those advances? As mentioned before, the best thing to do is to document absolutely every incident that happens. Asking witnesses around you to help you with your testimony can help you as well and they are more than likely to assist you if they find themselves being sexually harassed too.
Don’t Keep Your Information at Work
One thing that you should not do under any circumstances is leave your case notes on a work computer. Make sure that you keep them backed up to your personal device and nothing that is owned by the company. In the event that you are fired from your job, you will not be able to access those files. Keep everything to yourself and do not share with anyone at all.
Talk to Your HR Manager
The first step that you can take at your job is to speak with your HR manager. Their job is to ensure that the workplace you are working in is a safe environment for all. If you have a coworker or a boss who is sexually harassing you then it is time to bring this up to the higher-ups. However, there are more complicating factors to this than one realizes.
On the off chance that the HR manager is friends with the harasser, then it is time to take legal action by pursuing other avenues. Keeping your documentation as mentioned before is crucial to this next step as you will need to find a lawyer that will work for you.
Finding The Right Lawyer
Finding the best lawyer out there for the job shouldn’t have to be a difficult one. Thankfully, firms such as the Gilleon Law Firm specialize in sexual harassment cases in the workplace. A good lawyer will be able to take the notes that you have compiled and turn them into a good case where the odds of justice are in your favor.
It’s Time to Leave
Unfortunately, even if legal action does not work to curb a toxic work environment then it’s time to leave. Even after suing your company refuses to do anything then its time to start putting applications in other places. Don’t let the offender make you feel like you need to stay at this job. Your wellbeing and health depend on you finding a place that won’t sexually harass you.
Seek Support
There is no doubt that you may be feeling traumatized after experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. Whatever happens, you need to take time for yourself and heal from this trauma. It is important to understand your self-worth and that the harasser does not have any power over you. Thankfully, there are plenty of mental health services out there that can help you overcome sexual harassment cases such as the one you may be going through right now. Remember, it is in your best interest to act immediately and not let this problem drag on for any longer than it should.
Taking Action into Your Own Hands
Unfortunately, men and women in the workplace will experience sexual harassment at one point or another in their lives. This is why it is important to use your voice and speak out against sexual harassment in the workplace even if the company doesn’t stand up for you. This guide was designed to provide you with some valuable insight into your options if you are experiencing a sexual harassment case or if you know someone else is experiencing it. Stay vigilant and understand that you are not alone in this fight against harassers in the workplace.