How to Report Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Am I Facing Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and has serious and sometimes permanent traumatic and detrimental effects on victims. Victims of sexual harassment may feel forced to take sick leave or even quit their jobs.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, know that there are federal and state laws that can hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. Contact an attorney at Grant & Eisenhofer if you have questions about sexual harassment and assault laws in your state. We aggressively advocate for our clients’ rights under applicable federal and state laws.
What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment can take many forms and come from many people. It can come from a peer, a manager or even from a customer or client.
Workplace sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature or requests for sexual favors in exchange for gifts or for a promotion or job-related advancement. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the harassment does not always have to be of a sexual nature.
Am I Being Sexually Harassed at Work?
If you question whether you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, chances are something is not right. If any of the following points apply to your situation, then you may be the victim of workplace sexual harassment and it is time to explore your rights:
- Your work environment has become uncomfortable or hostile from the harassment.
- Your work performance has been affected or interfered with by the harassment.
- Your employment status has been affected by the harassment.
It is important to note that isolated incidents of teasing or offhand comments are generally not illegal. However, if you are experiencing frequent or serious instances of workplace harassment, speak with an attorney about your options.
Common Examples of Sexual Harassment at Work
There are many actions that can be considered workplace sexual harassment. A few examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to:
- Making unwanted or inappropriate comments or slurs about someone’s appearance, body, sex, gender, race or ethnicity;
- Sending or sharing emails, texts or other messages of a sexual nature;
- Making or sharing vulgar jokes of a sexual nature;
- Unwanted or inappropriate touching;
- Frequent or persistent advances of a sexual nature;
- Making unwanted or inappropriate requests for sexual favors.
How Do I Report Sexual Harassment at Work?
Workplace sexual harassment leads to multiple professional and personal problems for affected workers. Fortunately, you have options to report the harassment. The option you choose could vary depending on your specific situation. A few examples to consider include:
- Check your employee handbook. Look for policies and instructions that discuss how to report sexual harassment. Your company policy may direct you to your immediate supervisor, HR or someone else in a position of authority. You should document your efforts to report the sexual harassment to the best of your ability.
- If you work for a union, speak to a union representative. If you are a member of a union, then your union representative can be the go-between for you and your company.
- File a claim with the EEOC or a state agency. You can file a sexual harassment charge with the EEOC, or with a state or local Agency that is responsible for adjudicating civil rights or human rights complaints in employment.
- Speak to an attorney. We understand that reporting sexual harassment can be scary and uncomfortable. A civil rights attorney can help you understand your rights and weigh your options under federal and state laws.