Your workplace probably is not your favorite place to be, but it should at least be a space where you can feel safe. If you are being sexually harassed at work, your rights are being violated. An employer who does not act to protect an employee from such behaviors should be held accountable. A Chesterfield County sexual harassment attorney can help you do that.
When is Behavior Considered Sexual Harassment?
Many types of behavior can fall under sexual harassment. You might feel sexually harassed if you see, hear, or experience things like:
- Sexual comments in the workplace
- Suggestive emails or text messages
- Vulgar language and jokes about sex or gender
- Unwanted physical contact
- Requests for sexual favors
Sometimes sexual harassment creates a hostile work environment, one that you do not feel comfortable in due to the behaviors of your coworkers and the kinds of comments being thrown around. Sometimes there is a quid pro quo when you are sexually harassed. You are being told that if you want to get ahead or keep your job, performing sexual favors for your superiors just comes with the territory. All of these behaviors should be reported.
How Should I Respond to Being Sexual Harassed?
It should not seem like you should have to do this, but after being sexually harassed you should make it clear that this kind of behavior is not acceptable. You do not want anyone claiming ignorance about their behavior later on. They knew it was wrong, you told them it was wrong, and they did not stop the behavior.
You also need to document everything. When something happens, write down the date and time of the incident along with a description of the event. Keep any evidence of harassment, including voicemails, e-mails, and text messages. The more you have documented, the harder it can be to deny a pattern of behavior.
You should also make a report to human resources. This, along with documenting any events, can establish a paper trail that is hard to deny.
When Should I Talk to an Employment Lawyer?
It may be a good idea to talk to an employment lawyer if you feel like your comments are being ignored at work. If you are still being sexually harassed and no one has stepped in to address it, that is a major problem and it may be time to file a lawsuit.
An employment lawyer can also help you make a complaint to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This agency investigates violations of federal law based on workplace discrimination. A seasoned employment attorney can make sure that any forms you fill out for the EEOC are complete, and that increases the chance of the agency actually investigating your complaint.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are being sexually harassed at work, you need to hold the guilty parties responsible. Contact Passero Employment Law and set up an appointment. It’s time for you to learn more about how an experienced employment lawyer can be of assistance.
