If you face sexual harassment in the workplace, you understand the demeaning acts take a significant toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You might feel negative emotions such as fear, shame, and anxiety, which can negatively impact your personal and professional relationships. Fortunately, many states like Massachusetts have taken steps to provide sexual harassment resources ranging from career advice to programs that address emotional issues.
Sexual harassment help also comes in the form of the legal representation delivered by a Massachusetts-licensed employment law attorney. Legal counsel allows you to file a claim of sexual harassment and possibly pursue justice by filing a civil lawsuit. The key to benefiting from Massachusetts sexual harassment resources is to act with a sense of urgency.
The longer you wait to file a claim, the less likely your claim receives approval from the State of Massachusetts.
Administrative Resources
You have the right to file a sexual harassment claim with the State of Massachusetts, as well as the federally run Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you decide to file your claim with the State of Massachusetts, you send the proper documentation to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). The MCAD and EEOC have established a work-sharing agreement, which means that filing a claim with one of the government agencies automatically goes to the second government agency.
Filing a sexual harassment claim with the MACD is the preferred option for workers of smaller businesses because the MACD covers companies that employ a minimum of six workers. The EEOC handles sexual harassment complaints from employees that work for businesses that have at least 15 employees. Filing a sexual harassment claim requires you to submit paperwork to one of the following offices.
Boston MACD (main office)
1 Ashburton Place
Suite 601
Boston, MA 02108-1518
Phone: (617) 994-6000
Fax: (617) 944-6024
EEOC-Boston Area Office
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Government Center
4th Floor, Room 475
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: (617) 565-3200
Emergency Resources for Victims
Dealing with sexual harassment requires you to follow a series of steps to file a claim. If you are a victim of a sex crime at work, you must follow a different series of steps.
First, call 911 to activate your area’s emergency law enforcement response system. One or more detectives should arrive where your work to conduct an extensive investigation. The investigation includes the gathering of physical evidence, as well as interviews conducted with witnesses to the sex crime. Obtaining a copy of the official police report provides you with the physical evidence that is associated with your case.
If you suffered any injuries due to the sex crime, you should seek medical care at the nearest hospital to receive emergency medical services. Contacting a lawyer gives you access to one of the most important sexual harassment resources. You have the right to file a criminal complaint against the assailant that requires the legal support of a victim advocate lawyer.
Emotional Support Resources
Experiencing sexual harassment can trigger a wide variety of negative emotions. The state of Massachusetts offers sexual harassment help for workers that have a difficult time coping with sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Bostin Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has helped thousands of sex crime survivors and their families move on with their lives by providing emotional support for victims. You not only receive direct emotional support, but you also obtain the names of sexual harassment resources operating in Boston and throughout the state. Some of the local resources that help victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment include law enforcement, legal services, and medical facilities.
Here is a short list of other emotional support resources for victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment:
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
- PreventConnect
- Sexual Assault and the Brain
The Massachusetts Helpline, which provides emotional support services 24 hours a day for every day during the year, supports workers that experience a sex crime in the workplace. Call 800-985-5990 or text RalkWithUs to 66746 for immediate emotional support given by a highly trained crisis counselor.
Get Support Today
Victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment have to deal with a large number of emotional issues. If you are a victim of a sex crime or sexual harassment, take action by enlisting the help of one of the most important sexual harassment resources. Fill out the free evaluation form to contact a Massachusetts employment lawyer. An attorney will review your information to determine how to proceed with your case.
