Know your rights
Women (and men) are justifiably afraid to report sexual harassment.sexual harassment is not about sex. It’s about power. If you don’t speak up about a sexual harasser, he or she will keep doing it and accelerate their behavior.”
1. Document any quid pro quo. One type of sexual harassment, called “quid pro quo sexual harassment,” is where you’re offered a job, promotion or favors if you submit to the harasser — or are threatened that you'll be demoted, fired or disciplined if you don't. So if any offers or threats are being made, write down the date, time, place and any witnesses.
Don't worry if there are no witnesses. Harassers are usually too smart to do it in front of others.
2. Document any comments and different treatment you’ve received. The other type of sexual harassment, called “hostile environment,” is way more common than quid pro quo. Hostile environment is where you're being harassed due to your gender. This could be comments about your gender being inferior, sexual comments or treating people of your gender differently than the opposite sex.
If the harasser is making comments or treating you differently, he or she may also be targeting others of your sex. Watch carefully and take good notes of comments directed to you and to others. Again, include date, time, place and any witnesses. If it's just you, then still document it.
3. Keep your notes in a safe place. Don't put them on your work computer, in a desk drawer or somewhere where your employer can take them. Instead, keep them in a purse or briefcase or write them on your home computer. If you're fired, you’ll be prevented from taking your notes from your work computer and they may be conveniently "lost."
4. Gather your evidence. If the harasser is texting, emailing or sending cards or notes, keep copies. Don't delete them. Make sure you take a screen shot of any texts or Snapchats and print them so you don't lose them if your device crashes or you buy a new one. Print out emails, too, and keep them in a safe place.
5. Report the harassment at work. The Supreme Court says that reporting sexual harassment is a requirement before you can sue. You have to give the employer a chance to correct the situation. Make sure you've followed the company sexual harassment policy, if there is one, and reported your concern to the correct person. The employer should have alternate people to report it to in case one is your harasser.
Remember, the employer doesn't have to fire the harasser or tell you what action was taken. They only have to make it stop. If he or she does it again or retaliates, report it. Once the company is on notice that a person is a harasser, it will be strictly liable if they don’t stop him or her.
6. Find a good lawyer. I'd suggest contacting an employment lawyer in your state to see if you can get someone who understands sexual harassment. It is frequently your word against the harasser's, so you’ll want someone to bolster your case.
7. Get the heck out. If your company won't do anything and you don't feel safe there, start looking for a position elsewhere. Don't let the harasser bully you out of a job before you're ready, but don't feel trapped either.
Sometimes a sexual harasser will work on your head and make you feel like nobody else would want you. Don't believe it. You’ll be amazed how relieved you’ll be to get out of a bad situation.
One last thing: If you don't report sexual harassment, there will be other victims and the behavior will get worse. Stand up for your right to a safe workplace. Your employer has a duty to keep your workplace free of sexual harassment. It's the law
WHAT NOT TO DO
Do not blame yourself. Sexual harassment is not something one brings on oneself.
Do not delay. Waiting to act in cases of sexual harassment only increases the probability that the harassing behavior will continue.
Don't wait to seek help. Being quiet about sexual harassment enables it to continue. Chances are very good that you are not the only one who has been harassed. Speaking up may prevent others from being harmed.
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