Sexual harassment in the workplace is one of the most underreported violations of state and federal employment laws. Feelings of guilt and shame can become powerful enough to silence a victim of sexual harassment. However, the State of Connecticut offers several sexual harassment resources that help victims cope with the unlawful acts, as well as help victims learn how to take legal action against an employer.
Connecticut passed the Human Rights and Opportunity Act in 1992 to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. The law makes it illegal to commit acts of sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as requires employers to put workers through sexual harassment prevention training.
Administrative Resources
You have the right to file an administrative claim for sexual harassment against your employer at the state or federal level. Victims of sexual harassment file claims with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) receives sexual harassment claims at the federal level.
You also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against your employer for sexual harassment in the workplace. If you have filed a complaint with the CHRO and/or EEOC, you must follow several requirements to file a civil lawsuit. Although you have the right to file an administrative claim and a civil lawsuit without the legal support of an employment law attorney, legal representation is one of the most influential sexual harassment resources you can expect to find.
Emergency Resources for Victims
If you face sexual harassment in the workplace, the first place to file a complaint is with your employer. Your employer should conduct an investigation to determine how to proceed with your complaint. If your employer refuses to address your complaint, then you should seek sexual harassment help by filing a claim with the CHRO and/or EEOC.
Sometimes, acts of sexual harassment in the workplace escalate into sex crimes. Victims of sex crimes at work must bypass their employers, as well as any government agencies when responding to the crimes. If you are a victim of a sex crime or crimes at work, you should immediately contact the proper authorities.
Call 911 to report the sex crime or crimes and within minutes, you should interact with a local law enforcement agency. An officer from the law enforcement agency takes your statement while detectives investigate the scene of the crime to collect and organize evidence. You have the right to file a criminal case in addition to filing a claim with the CHRO and/or EEOC.
Emotional Support Resources
Many victims of sexual harassment and sex crimes find it extremely difficult to cope with emotional distress. The aftermath of a sex crime is especially hard to handle. Connecticut offers victims of sex crimes several options to turn for emotional support resources.
Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence (The Alliance) represents a statewide collaboration of several sex crime programs. Victims of sex crimes receive services to help them deal with the emotional trauma that develops after an incident. The Alliance also strives to end sexual violence in the workplace, as well as throughout society.
You can visit with a counselor at the following address:
96 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT
You also can reach The Alliance at 860-282-9881 or by sending an email at info@endsexualviolencect.org.
For emergency emotional support or if you simply want to talk with someone about your emotional distress, visit CTSafeConnect.org or call 888-774-2900. Advocates for victims of sex crimes are available to talk 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Get Sexual Harassment Help by Working with a Lawyer
If you face sexual harassment in the workplace, you report it first to your employer before filing a claim with the CHRO and/or EEOC. If sexual harassment develops into a sex crime, you must act with a sense of urgency by contacting local authorities. Whether you face sexual harassment or are a victim of a sex crime in the workplace, you should immediately contact an attorney for legal support.
An employment law attorney works with you to file a convincing claim to the CHRO and/or EEOC. If you decide to file a civil lawsuit against your employer, legal counsel helps you present the most compelling evidence. Your lawyer interviews witnesses that support your version of events. Because the outcome of sexual harassment claims often rests on the version of events told by both parties, a lawyer is essential sexual harassment help when it comes to interviewing witnesses.
Schedule a free case evaluation to determine the best course of legal action.
