Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

When we work, we don’t always want to hear the rude and inappropriate jokes that people make. And you probably don’t really care to hear about a coworker’s sexual conquest.

That can certainly cause problems in the workplace.

Sometimes, this stuff can be taken to the next level and instead of an inappropriate joke, it becomes directed toward someone and it becomes an assault. Such was a case of Daphne.

Daphne’s Case: Physically and Emotionally Sexually Harassed by Her Manager

In her own words:
My boss (a marketing manager) just told he that he is ‘interested’ in me. I’ve worked at this company for more than six years, but this is a new thing.

Last week, he grabbed my butt as I was bending over. He added ‘I’d love to see you naked’.

Things are escalating and I’m scared. I’ve denied his advances but it’s not stopping. I don’t want to risk losing my job, but I certainly don’t want to be harassed any more. What are my rights?

What To Do If You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work

Here’s some advice for Daphne or for others who are in a similar situation:

1. You are going to want to write down the experience step by step. Remember the details of the incident and document, document, document.
2. Get written statements from others who witnessed the events that you documented. Have them sign it and get it notarized.
3. You are then going to have to report the incident to the higher ranking official. Since it was the manager, you are going to have to set up with a meeting with your manager’s superior.
4. After you have reported it, start documenting your meetings with that official. This is what you are going to use if the case is going to have to go further.
5. If, after all of this, the situation is not resolved to your liking or if you just want to sue for damages (you have the right to do that) – you can file a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Some of your rights as someone who has gotten sexually harassed are:

• You can file a sexual harassment claim without getting fired – Any company that fires you for making a true claim of sexual harassment likely cannot legally fire you or give you a leave of absence. You have every right to claim the charges and you will be able to see the bad employee that can’t keep his actions elsewhere dealt with accordingly. You are going to have the right to be protected from any harmful acts that may occur.
• You have the right to hire an attorney – It is generally your right as an employee to sue the company for having this happen and not dealing with it in a timely manner. Hopefully the company will seal up the issue quickly and spare you any emotional trauma it might cause you to have to deal with his issue. Making sure that you are going to have backup when you need it is going to be comforting in the end.
• You have the right to ask to have the employee terminated – You have the right to ask the company to relieve  the harasser from his duties or be fired. In your lawsuit, you are going to be able to make sure that he or she will not be able to harass you at work any longer.

You have to maintain your patience when dealing with this.

In many cases, you can suggest that you be moved to a different area while you wait for a decision and you will be able to have the right ending to your horrible ordeal.

When people are sexually harassed, it is normal for some to freeze up and do nothing to help themselves.

If the actions are not dealt with in a timely manner, then it’s a good idea to hire an attorney. You will be able to get your questions answered in more detail and be able to get on with your life. Good luck to you and may your case be swift and rewarding.