What To Do If You Are Sexually Harassed at Work
Are you dealing with physical, verbal, or even online sexual harassment while at work? Hire a Kansas City sexual harassment lawyer and explore your legal options.
Before taking this step, ensure you understand what to do if sexually harassed at work​. See how you should respond below.
Put Together Documentation of Sexual Harassment
More American adults have to determine what to do if sexually harassed at work than you might realize. Studies show 38% of women and 14% of men experience sexual harassment within the workplace.
If you’re ever sexually harassed at work, start documenting the incidents right away. Write down:
- Who sexually harassed you
- When sexual harassment occurred
- Where sexual harassment took place
- What was said and/or done during sexual harassment
- Any other relevant details such as whether there may have been witnesses
You should also tell the person making unwanted comments to stop if you feel comfortable doing so.
Look Up Your Company’s Workplace Policy for Reporting Sexual Harassment
Your company should have a workplace policy on how to report sexual harassment. Pull out your employee handbook and research what you must do when reporting sexual harassment.
Reporting sexual harassment should encourage your company to launch an internal investigation quickly.
Report Sexual Harassment to Human Resources and File an Official Complaint
Your company should have a human resources department designed to assist those trying to figure out what to do if sexually harassed at work. Bring documentation about the ongoing harassment you’ve faced at work and file an official complaint through HR. If your company does not have a formal HR department, make your report in writing to a trusted manager.
You shouldn’t have to worry about dealing with any retaliation from your employer since laws exist to protect those who file these complaints. Note any retaliation you face and discuss it with a lawyer.
Report Sexual Harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
You should report sexual harassment to more than just your company’s human resources department. You will also want to report it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal agency will launch an investigation into your claims. You don’t need a lawyer to file a complaint, but it is a more straightforward process if you are represented.
You should also consider reporting sexual harassment to other government agencies, such as the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). This agency is devoted to investigating human rights violations, including sexual harassment.
Schedule a Consultation With a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your sexual harassment case, you might maintain the right to file a lawsuit against the person who harassed you and/or your employer if they don’t take your complaint seriously enough. A lawsuit could help you recover damages that can cover:
- Retaliation faced at work
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
Let Our Law Firm Advise You on What To Do If Sexually Harassed at Work
Knowing what to do if sexually harassed at work and taking the proper steps are two very different things. You might not feel comfortable reporting harassment to your employer for one reason or another.
If you’re confused about how to respond to being sexually harassed or even just understanding the signs of sexual harassment, Dugan Schlozman, LLC, can extend the necessary assistance. Contact us at 913-374-6351 today for a free case evaluation.