How to Handle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

We’ve come a long way with regard to women’s rights and role in the workplace, but it’s far from perfect, and especially so in the working world. The gender pay gap is still a real thing, and there’s still nowhere near enough women in control of the world’s largest corporations. And on a daily basis, women are suffering sexual harassment. If the #MeToo campaign showed us anything, it’s that the problem is more widespread than we imagined. If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, then, what should you do? We take a look at a few important steps you can take below.

Speak to the Harasser

Part of the need for more awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace is that many perpetrators don’t even know that they’re doing it. Their behavior is so ingrained, that they fail to realize that the other person deems it to be inappropriate. This isn’t always the case, but when it is, it’s worthwhile talking to the harasser directly. More often than not, they’ll realize that they’ve been acting inappropriately and stop immediately. If the issue carries on, then you’ll know that they’re not listening to you, and that you need to take further action.

Talking to your HR Department

There’s no company in the world who should accept sexual harassment. Indeed, many of the larger companies have written policies regarding this aspect of the workplace. If your being harassed and it isn’t stopping, then you should speak to your HR department. They’ll likely deal with the problem in their own way. Of course, this is how it’s supposed to work, but it doesn’t always happen that way. If you’re not taken seriously or, worse, you have retribution for bringing it up, then you’ll need to try other methods for getting justice.

Going Down the Legal Route

There are strict laws regarding what can and cannot happen in a sexual harassment in the workplace case. If you’ve been demonized at work - in whatever form - because you brought the issue up, then you’ll be well-advised to look at your legal options. Work with a company like Atlanta Advocate Law Firm, and you’ll be able to fight for justice, as well as financial compensation. The more that people stand up to this type of behavior, the more progress that’ll be made as people come to understand their behavior is not acceptable.

Keeping Notes

It’s very important that you keep notes and gather as much evidence as you can if you’re going to accuse a person of sexual harassment. It’s not enough to put your word over someone else's; like in every other instance of crime, there needs to be evidence. Make notes on what happened, when, and who saw it, and also keep any evidence such as emails that might support your case.

When the case has been dealt with, it’ll be time to move on with your career. Sexual harassment should not hold you back from making your career dreams come true!