How To File A Complaint Against Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment may occur in various settings, but the workplace is by far the most prevalent source of these heinous offenses. Sexism-based discrimination is unlawful, and sexual harassment falls within this category.

Comments about a person’s physique or sexual activity, sexual jokes and demands for sexual favors, as well as pressure for dates, groping or grabbing, and sexual assault or rape are all examples of sexual harassment. A harasser can be a coworker, a boss, or a customer of the opposite sex.

You’re being sexually harassed, but what should you do?

Respond immediately if you are being sexually harassed at work. If you’ve done everything and the harasser continuously abuses you, submit a police complaint or ask help from rape attorneys.

The two most prevalent kinds of sexual harassment are “quid pro quo” and “hostile work environment.” An example of sexual harassment that belongs to quid pro quo is when an employee feels forced to give something up in exchange for a job-related gain.

Employees may feel compelled to accept sexual favor requests or engage in harassing behavior to retain their jobs. Even if the harasser doesn’t directly threaten, their actions may indicate it. The harasser’s unwanted behavior disrupts the employee’s job or creates a hostile work environment.

If these harassments still persists, even after a complaint, here are a few steps on what you should do if you are a victim of sexual harassment:

 Pay attention to non-verbal cues.

Sexual harassment is not your fault. Ignoring harassment does not help and may exacerbate it. Talk to loved ones and friends about the harassment. See the bloodshed. Keep a diary with dates, times, locations, and witnesses. If you have photos of the harasser, keep them. To ensure that it is not just your word against the harasser, this will help. Sympathetic dialogue Complaining in a group with others experiencing the same problem will take your complaint more seriously. Coworkers should be on the lookout for any possible witnesses.

Confront your harasser

Make it clear that these actions are unacceptable and should be stopped. An open letter from you to your harasser may help ease your fears of being alone with them (and create more documentation of the harassment). Include dates, places, and specifics of the occurrence in your letter.

Tell us about how you felt and what you did in the face of the situation. Specify what you want to achieve. I’m looking for a business-only relationship. “I’d want to work for someone else,” the employee declares. Do not touch or discuss my body with me.”) The letter is yours to keep.

How to file a complaint

Processing of grievances

If you feel uncomfortable, notify your supervisor (not the harasser). Don’t hesitate to contact your company’s human resources department or the equal employment opportunity officer. As a member, contact your union. Examine your employer’s sexual harassment policy. Complain to your boss. Your company should thoroughly examine any allegations of sexual harassment and take appropriate action.

Lawsuits and accusations

Legal action for sexual harassment may be necessary if none of the other measures work. In some instances, you may file a lawsuit against both your employer and the harasser. Additionally, you may take the following actions:

  1. Keeping a journal to record the specifics of various occurrences. It is essential to know when and where the harassment occurred, as well as any witnesses who may have seen it, as well as the specific offenses that were committed.
  1. preserving any evidence of the harassment that may exist. Harassment can take the form of letters, voicemails, text messages, and emails. The victim should have these items on hand as a possible piece of evidence.

Notifying your company’s human resources department or another person assigned to accept harassment complaints.

  1. Reporting harassment should be documented in your employment file; therefore, ask HR to do it.

Contact a workplace sexual harassment lawyer if you suspect you have been harassed at work. Legal counsel, A local harassment attorney, may examine the facts of your case and provide you with advice on how to proceed.

 

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