81 Percent of women have experienced Sexual Harassment at work at some point in their lives, and many of them will not report it. This is often because they don’t know how to or are scared of the repercussions.

Having to see a coworker who is consistently making Sexual comments and advancements towards you is uncomfortable and downright scary, especially if the perpetrator is your boss.

If you’re a victim of sexual Harassment in the workplace, it’s important you know how to properly handle it so you can feel comfortable in the workplace again.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what constitutes sexual harassment, and what to do if you are being sexually harassed at work.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Before we discuss what to do if you’re being sexually harassed at work, you should understand what sexual harassment is. Many people experience sexual harassment every day without even realizing it.

Defining Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment occurs when one or more people target another person(s) due to their sex.

This targeting can include sexual comments, sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors.

Basically, if one or more of your coworkers is making you feel uncomfortable by making any sort of unwanted sexual advancement, it can be considered harassment.

Sexual harassment can also occur if someone of the opposite sex is making you feel inferior or “less than” because of your sex. If they treat you differently than their own sex, this is considered sexual harassment.

Who Commits Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be committed by your supervisor, a colleague, co-worker, client, or someone else who is in the building of your employment.

Sexual harassment can be committed by anyone, against anyone (not necessarily of the opposite sex). It can affect both the victim and other bystanders who witness the harassment.

What to Do if You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work

If you are being sexually harassed at work, it’s important to take action properly. Here are the steps you should take if you’re being sexually harassed at work.

1. Document, Document, Document

Before going to human resources and filing a sexual harassment claim, you need to put in writing what exactly has happened. It’s best to write down the harassment right after it was committed so you can put an exact date and time.

If you were offered a job in exchange for sexual favors, document when this occurred, what was requested, and anything else that was said in this conversation.

If you were the victim of sexual comments or advancements, document where and when it happened, and also have any witnesses sign the document stating what happened.

The more information you have documented, the stronger your case will be against the perpetrator.

2. Keep Evidence Organized and Hidden

If you are collecting documentation and evidence against your perpetrator, make sure you keep it organized and somewhere safe where no one will stumble upon it.

That last thing you want is for the perpetrator or someone else to find your documentation and destroy it. Make sure it’s safe and organized chronologically so you can easily present it to human resources.

3. Report the Harassment to Your Employer

It’s required by the Supreme Court that you must report sexual harassment at your workplace before you can take any legal action against your company or the harasser.

Reporting the harassment will give your employer the opportunity to fix the situation before any legal actions are taken. Your company should have a sexual harassment policy that outlines who you should speak to about being harassed.

If the person you are supposed to speak to is the one harassing you, there should be an alternative person in place that you can speak to. If there’s not, you can report to anyone who has authority over your harasser.

You can report the harassment verbally, but be sure to follow it up in writing so it’s documented exactly when you notified your employer of the harassment.

Your employer will have to put a stop to the harassment by either firing the perpetrator or warning them to stop. If you are harassed again, your employer is now viably liable for the harassment against you.

4. Report the Harassment to the EEOC

If your employer has not taken the appropriate action to put a stop to the harassment, your next step will be to take it up with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Once you file with the EEOC, you are protected against retaliation from your employer. This means your employer can be sued if they fire or punish you over the discrimination case.

5. Get a Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If legal action is going to be taken, you’ll need to hire a good sexual harassment lawyer to represent you and help you through the process.

For more information on getting a sexual harassment lawyer for your discrimination case, click here.

6. Leave the Job

If your employer continues to refuse to take care of the sexual harassment issue, it may be a good idea to start looking for alternative employment.

This doesn’t mean you need to quit your job. You can rightfully continue working at that job, but you definitely shouldn’t feel trapped.

If the harassment doesn’t stop, it may be best to remove yourself from the workplace and take legal action instead of trying to stick it out with a company who doesn’t care about the safety of their employees.

Keys to Remember

When remembering what to do if you are being sexually harassed at work, it’s important you document everything that happens. Also, report the harassment properly and take legal action when necessary.

If you need assistance with your sexual harassment claim, it would be helpful to hire an employment lawyer to represent you.

Most importantly, don’t force yourself to continue working with your harasser if nothing is done.

Instead, look for other employment opportunities with companies who value their employees.

Your voice should be heard and you should feel comfortable, happy, and safe no matter where you work. Don’t let your harasser dictate your mental state and comfort in the workplace.

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