You do not have to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace by yourself. There are sexual harassment resources that can help you overcome administrative difficulties and emotional issues. New Jersey is home to several organizations that help victims of sexual harassment cope with feelings of guilt and shame.
Sexual harassment help also comes in the form of legal support. You have the right to end sexual harassment by filing a civil lawsuit that seeks monetary damages. An employment attorney can help you file a sexual harassment claim, as well as prepare you to go to trial for a civil lawsuit.
Administrative Resources
You have the right to file an administrative claim with a state or federal government agency. First, you should follow the sexual harassment reporting policy listed in your employee manual. Inform your manager or a representative from the human resources department about your predicament. Your employer should take action to stop the acts of sexual harassment, as well as discipline the worker who has committed sexual harassment. If your employer refuses to provide you with sexual harassment help, then you take your complaint to the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights.
When filing a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, you have to submit an intake form. You can create an account online by using the NJ Bias Investigation Access System (NJBIAS). Along with submitting your name and contact information, you must submit the information that discusses the specifics of your case. This includes copies of any incident reports and disciplinary records. You also should submit the names and contact information for every witness, as well as any documents that demonstrate you received harassing emails and/or text messages.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) allows you to schedule an appointment online via the EEOC Public Portal. With COVID-19 shutting down or limiting the hours of operation of EEOC field offices, you might have to schedule an appointment for the EEOC to conduct an interview over the phone. If you have any questions or you want to start the process over the phone, you can call 800-669-4000.
You have the right to sue your employer by filing a lawsuit with the New Jersey Superior Court. However, you are unable to fill out an administrative complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights while at the same time pursuing a civil lawsuit.
Emergency Resources for Victims
Sexual harassment help might not be enough if your case turns into a sex crime. If you are a victim of a sex crime in the workplace, you must turn to law enforcement for assistance. Immediately call 911 to receive emergency assistance, which should be both legal and medical. A detective from the nearest law enforcement agency will conduct an interview with you, as well as interview the alleged perpetrator of the sex crime.
Even if did not suffer serious injuries, you should still seek emergency medical care. The detective working your case can collect physical evidence that a healthcare provider releases after completing several diagnostic tests. Consult with an attorney to determine whether you have a strong enough case to file criminal charges against the alleged perpetrator of a sex crime.
Emotional Support Resources
Dealing with repeated acts of sexual harassment can adversely affect your personal and professional relationships. Emotional distress can create a downhill spiral into depression. Reaching out to one of the many sexual harassment resources in New Jersey can help you regain your life.
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) operates a 24 hours per day, seven days a week hotline across the state. Call 800-602-7200 to speak with a trained professional who can help you deal with the emotional roller coaster ride of the distress caused by sexual harassment. The confidential phone call you make to the NJCASA can lead to long-term counseling and access to legal support.
New Jersey offers a statewide crisis hotline called the New Jersey Hopeline at 855-654-6735. The Hopeline handles a wide variety of phone calls, including those from victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment.
Get Legal Support
Sexual harassment cases often come down to the versions of events told by each of the parties. The lack of compelling physical evidence means you might have to address sexual harassment by leaning on the description of events as provided by witnesses. Working with an employment attorney can help you leverage witness accounts of sexual harassment in your favor.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, submit the free case evaluation form to get the sexual harassment help that you deserve.
