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3 Things To Do If You Are Experiencing Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

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If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, you need to be proactive about protecting yourself and about documenting and calling attention to what is happening. Here are three things that you need to do if you are being harassed in your workplace in a sexual manner.

#1 Make Your Stance Clear To The Harasser

The first thing that you need to do is make it clear to the person who is harassing you that you do not appreciate their words or behavior. The next time that is occurs, clearly state in a calm voice that you do not appreciate the way they are talking, speaking and/or acting towards you, and that this behavior needs to stop. 

You can also communicate to the person who is harassing you in writing that you don't appreciate their behavior. This will help create a paper trail that shows that you have taken steps to communicate that their behavior is unwanted.

#2 Inform Your Manager

The second thing you need to do is inform your manager that you are being sexually harassed. The best way to do this is in writing, because a written email or certified mail creates a paper trail that proves that your manager had knowledge of the situation. Once your manager has knowledge that you are being sexual harassed, in most states they are then obligated by law to investigate. By informing your manager in writing, you further create a paper trail that documents your attempts to stop the harassment and documents your employer's respond to your revelation. 

This is called a complaint letter, and you can have a sexual harassment attorney help you you help write out your complaint letter or email. This letter is not from your attorney; it is from your employer.

#3 Record All Details

Finally, in order to prove your case, you are going to need evidence. The best way to provide evidence is to create a log of what is happening to you. In this log, you should include the date of the incident, the time of the incident and where the incident occurred. You should include everything that the person who is harassing you said and did, as well as your response. Additionally, if anyone else happens to be nearby or witnessed what happened, you should include that information as well. 

A well documented record of your harassment can help your employer take action and can help you get the legal assistance and help that you need to deal with the situation.

With sexual harassment cases, a lot of the burden falls on the victim to prove what has happened and to take action. If you are being harassed at work, start keeping a record of what is happening, make it clear to your harasser that their behavior is not acceptable and work with your attorney to inform your boss or human resource department what is happening to you at work. 


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