If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace because a co worker has sent you an inappropriate video and you really think that there is not much you can do about it, you may now wish to think again.
This is because a coworker sending you an inappropriate video is in fact illegal as you have the right to feel safe when in the workplace while your employer is legally required to demand a sexual harassment free workplace.
By reading the helpful tips below you may no longer feel that you have to put up with sexual harassment and you can learn how to exert your rights.
Tip 1: Ask The Harasser to Stop
As soon as you are certain the harasser has deliberately sent you an inappropriate video, the first step to follow is to ask your harasser to stop sending you the inappropriate videos. One example of this type of video which could be considered sexual harassment is when it is a recording of a pornographic act aimed at sexually harassing you.
Tip 2: Document Everything
If the coworker keeps sending you inappropriate videos you should begin to gather enough evidence that proves the video(s) that was sent was sexual harassment.
Apart from saving the videos and making a note of the date and time when the incident took place you may wish to share the videos with a witness (es) who is/are prepared to vouch that you received the videos and that they are sexual harassment material.
Tip 3: File a Formal Complaint With Your HR
If the harasser hasn’t stopped sending the inappropriate videos even after you asked them to stop you should compile a formal letter outlining your experience of sexual harassment and send it to your HR.
At this point the paper trail begins. This shows the HR that sexual harassment is taking place which has to be stopped by your employer. If the HR fails to respond to your letter you may file a complaint of sexual harassment with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC).
Once the complaint has been received the first step an EEOC agent will take is to make contact with your employer in relation to your complaint.
The EEOC may arrange mediation between you and the coworker and your employer to assist with resolving the illegal sexual harassment.
If mediation fails the next move you should consider is contacting an attorney who will assist you to file for compensation from the employer and/or the co worker.
If the EEOC states that it doesn’t have sufficient evidence to prove your employer has violated the law you will be sent a Notice of Right to Sue. At this point, you are able to file a lawsuit against the coworker or your employer. You should first consider contacting an attorney.
Tip 4: Get Help from An Attorney
An attorney with years of experience solving sexual harassment complaints in the workplace will collect all the evidence on your behalf related to the sexual harassment by a coworker who sent to you an inappropriate video. The attorney will work on your behalf to win compensation for you by filing a lawsuit in court.
