Sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited by federal and state laws. There are many ways that sexual harassment takes place. It can involve comments, inappropriate images, unwanted advances, or quid pro quo harassment.
If you are harassed against or discriminated against at your place of work, you do have rights and resources. You should use your resources and file a complaint following the proper procedures and process.
You put forth a lot of time and effort at work. Your employer has the responsibility to maintain a safe, stress-free, and comfortable work environment for its employees.
If coworkers or managers make you feel stressed, intimidated, or if you feel like it is a hostile work environment, it can be difficult to remain productive and effective.
When a coworker makes sexual comments about you, it can be traumatizing, embarrassing, and make you feel unwelcome and uncomfortable.
If you feel worried or exposed because of comments regarding your appearance, your work performance will be affected, and you will feel uncomfortable.
You may even dread going to work. It can make what was a pleasant experience become an unpleasant, dreaded experience and it will affect you at work and even when you are away from work.
Examples of sexual comments about your appearance could include “you look too good in that to work here” or “why don’t you show some more skin?” or “those jeans fit your rear-end just right.” There are many ways that sexual comments are made, and they can be humiliating to the victim.
What To Do If Sexual Comments Are Made
If a manager, supervisor, or coworker makes sexual comments about your appearance, you should ask them to stop. You should then report the incident to your supervisor or human resources department as soon as possible.
You should maintain evidence to support your claim. You should keep copies of any texts, messages, or get digital images of anything posted, such as flyers, signs, or photos. There is also a chance that the entire incident was caught on surveillance camera.
You should be sure to document what was said. Write down what was said, it what context it was said, who said it, when it was said, and who was there when the incident took place.
The more supporting evidence and documentation that you have to support your claim, the more likely that you are to have success with your claim. You should maintain proof of filing a complaint with your employer.
Sexual Harassment Depends on the Severity and Frequency
If it is a one-time incident, then you will probably not have success with a sexual harassment claim. If it continues and is a repeated event, then it would be considered sexual harassment.
How your employer responds to your complaint is very important. If the complaint is brushed off, or if it isn’t taken seriously, then you have legitimate grounds to take legal action against your employer.
If the employer does take action and the problem doesn’t happen again, then the EEOC and other agencies will most likely agree that the issue has been resolved.
After you speak with your employer, the harassment should be stopped. If that is not the case, then you will file a complaint with the EEOC and they will investigate the situation.
They will review your evidence and they will also talk with your supervisor, coworkers, and others to try to determine what happened and the severity of the situation.
If the EEOC determines that your employer didn’t take appropriate action, or that it is a serious matter that has not been resolved, they will tell you to file a lawsuit against your employer to recover compensation for your damages.
Enlist The Help of an Employment Law Attorney
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace because a coworker makes sexual comments about your appearance, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who is familiar with the state and federal employment laws that apply to your situation.
A lawyer will investigate the situation, gather the supporting evidence and documentation, and then work to resolve the matter with you being compensated for your damages and the employer working to protect employees from such treatment and behavior in the future.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details of your sexual harassment in the workplace.
