Sexual harassment can create a hostile work environment and affect the personal and professional lives of victims. If you are a victim of sexual harassment at work, do not be afraid to speak up. This is important to avoid dealing with the resulting effects on your mental health and jeopardize your job. Any type of workplace harassment is not acceptable; however, sexual harassment can be particularly devastating for workers. An Employment Law Firm in Connecticut can help you pursue a claim to recover damages and seek the justice you deserve. How you report workplace sexual harassment will significantly affect your case’s outcome. Although the harasser is always to blame for their action, you can succeed in your claim if you follow the tips below when reporting sexual harassment at work:
Tell the Harasser to Stop their Actions
You can strengthen your sexual harassment claim if you express how the harasser is treating you. But this does not mean confronting them directly. If you are not comfortable telling the harasser to stop harassing you, consult the EEOC and Sexual Harassment policy of your employer and follow the reporting instructions. Hot reporting your complaints based on the policy of the company can be held against you in court. If your harasser is a superior, report the harassment to the person with a higher than them.
Stay Calm
While being harassed is upsetting, try to be as calm as possible when you report the problem. Prepare for this and ensure you have thought about whatever you want to say. This includes what the offender did to you and how this person made you feel. Make a written report and create a paper trial.
Familiarize Yourself with EEOC Guidelines
The EEOC enforces laws that prohibit discrimination at work through sexual harassment. Being aware of the guidelines imposed by the agency will ensure you know your rights and what you can expect about the behavior of the harasser and your employer. Another option is to understand your employee rights through an employment attorney.
Do Not Wait to Report the Incidents
Reporting incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace immediately can increase your chance of succeeding. This way, your company can investigate your complaints while the incidents are still fresh. Make sure to submit the complaints in writing and keep copies of them. While memories about talks can change, words on an email or paper trail don’t.
Identify Possible Witnesses
Witnesses can support your claim. For instance, if a colleague witnesses the offender making sexual advances to you, their testimonies can support your claim. Tell these witnesses that you are filing a complaint against the harasser.
Do Not Give Up
Some employers may not respond to sexual harassment complaints promptly. If this is the case with your employer, do not give up quickly by withdrawing the complaint or resigning from your position. Rather, contact an employment attorney to make sure the company you work for complies with the law.
If your employer does not take your complaint seriously, look for a lawyer who can represent you. The lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you do not jeopardize your job.
An attorney who specializes in employment issues, including sexual harassment at work, can help you seek the justice you need. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible, so you know if you can sue the harasser or your employer. Sexual harassment in the workplace must be taken seriously and you need a skilled legal team by your side. A good lawyer will look into the details of your complaint, any adverse employment actions, and negative performance evaluations you have probably faced since you submitted an internal complaint.