According to a survey by Statista, about three out of five U.S. employees or 60%, have witnessed or experienced discrimination based on age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. The majority of workplace sexual harassment cases submitted to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, come from women. Due to their race, black female workers have been discriminated against or harassed by an employer.
Employees who have experienced workplace harassment often wonder, “Can I sue for harassment? ” Sexual harassment perpetrators may receive punitive measures from the organization or they may face serious penalties if legal action is taken against them. If employers fail to address the workplace harassment incidents, they can also be held accountable.
Here are the steps you should take to protect yourself and address workplace harassment:
Table of Contents
Seek Immediate Support and Professional Guidance
If harassment occurs outside of the workplace, seek immediate support from trusted friends, family, or professionals. Talking to someone you trust can really help. They can offer you emotional support and guidance, allowing you to process your feelings and make thoughtful decisions about how to handle the situation.
Your friends and family can provide support, understanding, and acknowledgment of what you are going through. They can help you come up with potential solutions and offer various viewpoints on the issue.
In addition to leaning on your loved ones, think about reaching out with professionals such as therapists, counselors, or support groups. They have the training and expertise to provide you with the guidance and resources you need to navigate the emotional challenges that come with harassment.
Document Incidents Thoroughly
Carefully document every incident to create a thorough record of what has happened. Keep a detailed log including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened. Make sure to take note of any witnesses who were there and collect any physical evidence you can find, like screenshots, messages, or letters.
Maintain your records in various formats, like a physical journal and a digital document, and ensure this information is kept in a secure and private place to protect your confidentiality.
Keep in mind the importance of being clear and factual in your documentation, prioritizing information over feelings. Try not to jump to conclusions or read between the lines; focus on the actual words or actions.
Understand Legal Recourse Options
When harassment occurs outside of work, it’s important to know that legal protections may still apply. One option is to consider obtaining a restraining order, which can provide you with legal protection from further harassment by requiring the harasser to maintain distance from you. You may also consider filing a police report to document the incidents and potentially press criminal charges against the perpetrator.
Another option is to consider filing a civil lawsuit against the person who has caused harm. This can assist you in obtaining compensation for the harm caused by the harassment, including emotional distress or medical costs. Seeking the legal guidance of an employment lawyer can really help you understand the steps you can take.
Prioritize Your Safety Measures
Your well-being should always come first when dealing with harassment outside of the workplace. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, it is important to take action right away to ensure your safety. Think about altering your daily habits or paths to steer clear of running into the harasser.
It is important to have a safety plan ready. Make sure someone knows where you’re at all times, especially if you feel at risk. Make sure to have important contact numbers easily accessible and think about adding safety apps to your phone. If things get worse or you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement for help.
Conclusion
Dealing with harassment outside of the workplace requires taking proactive steps to protect yourself and seeking support. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals for emotional guidance and thoroughly document each incident. Understand your legal options, such as obtaining restraining orders or filing lawsuits, and prioritize your safety by making necessary changes to your routines and having a safety plan in place.