If you experience sexual harassment at work, it is important that you assert your rights. If you do not, the situation will only get worse. Keep yourself safe, but do not allow yourself to be intimidated. We would recommend consulting an Oxnard sexual harassment lawyer who handles sexual harassment cases to get advice on how to handle the situation.
This does not necessarily mean that you will sue or even file a formal complaint. However, it does mean you will know how to prepare your evidence, have someone knowledgeable to advise you, be ready to defend yourself from retaliation, and be prepared to take legal action if necessary.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment at Work?
Sexual harassment takes on many forms. If there are sexual overtones and you are made to feel uncomfortable, there is a good chance that what you are experiencing is some form of sexual harassment. Things that should set your alarm bells ringing include common examples of sexual harassment, like:
- Sexually charged comments, gestures, threats, and “jokes”
- Repeatedly pressuring you to agree to a date
- Messages or images of a sexual nature
- Spreading rumors about your sex life
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Questioning you about your sex life or sexual orientation
- Attempting to discuss details about their sex life or sexual fantasies
- Demands for sexual favors in exchange for workplace benefits (Quid pro quo harassment)
Although many people see women as the primary victims of sexual harassment at work, men can fall victim too. A Belgian study found that 88 percent of women and 83 percent of men had experienced workplace sexual harassment at some time in their careers.
Your harasser may be your boss, a co-worker, or a client, and your employers may be eager to look the other way. They may feel that the matter is controversial and prefer not to engage, they may wish to avoid confrontation, or they may feel invested in protecting the wrongdoer.
Speak Up And Air Your Objections
Sometimes, it’s possible to solve your problem directly, especially when colleagues or bosses think they are just “joking around.” Simply tell them that you feel uncomfortable with their behavior and ask them to stop. Being calm yet assertive may earn you respect and even an apology. However, do not engage if you are in a situation in which you feel physically unsafe.
Document Your Experiences
If it’s just your word against the protestations of a person who harassed you, it is difficult to take effective action. People may feel that you do not have enough proof to allege harassment or may even believe you are lying.
Often, sexual harassment at work consists of repeated, “small” infringements rather than outright attacks. Start keeping a record of all these incidents, noting the date, time, where you were at the time, and whether anyone else was present.
If you have received inappropriate images or messages, save them. Sadly, sexual harassment is sometimes part of a toxic workplace culture. Speak to coworkers and gauge their willingness to support a complaint or act as witnesses.
Report Harassment to Your Employer
Some employers take sexual harassment allegations very seriously. Others are inclined to shrug them off. Nevertheless, you should notify your employer. This strengthens your case if you ultimately need to take formal action. If you fail to report the matter, they can simply claim that they could not have addressed the situation since they were unaware of it. Be sure to report in writing so that you have concrete evidence.
Determine Whether Your Case is Strong Enough to Take Legal Action
If you have not yet begun getting legal advice, an employer’s failure to act on your complaint signals the time when it will be crucial to get support from an employment lawyer. Your employer’s lack of effective action may lead to retaliation and even an intensification of harassment.
Sexual Harassment Violates Your Rights And is Prohibited in US Law
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) encourages people who experience sexual harassment at work to stand up for their rights. In severe cases, such as a situation in which you were sexually assaulted, you should take immediate action, placing your safety first.
Since there is often a build-up of harassment that ultimately leads to sexual assault, be alert for any signs of sexual harassment and take action as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise you on how to navigate the process.