7 Ways to Respond to Workplace Sexual Harassment

It is expected that an employer keeps their work environment safe for their employees and any person that enters it. Not only is it expected, but under both Federal and Ohio workplace safety guidelines, if there is abuse and harassment happening it is against the law. The victim of harassment can take legal action to hold those who perpetrated the unwanted acts accountable for their behavior.

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, that could be by way of:

• Sexual advances that are unwanted.
• Being asked for sexual acts to be done.
• Physical sexual interactions.
• Hostile and lewd verbal remarks.

Harassment in the workplace is unacceptable and this is true whether it is a man or a woman who is on the receiving end of the maltreatment.

What to Do If You Were Sexually Harassed at Work

Being the victim of sexual harassment at work can make you feel scared for your safety, uncomfortable, and even ashamed of your situation. It can be embarrassing and very distressing. You may even feel like you have no control and no recourse to remedy the problem. This could not be further from the truth. There are steps that you can take to protect yourself from such a hostile environment and behavior.

1. Do not stay silent when you are being mistreated. If you have been subject to sexual harassment by your employer, another co-worker, a client, a customer, or any other party at work, you should talk to your trusted colleagues about the issue. Potentially you are not alone and others are dealing with the same dilemma.
2. Be direct with the individual who is committing the harassing acts against you and tell them it is not welcome and they must stop immediately. Making it clear that you do not want to engage with the person who is bothering you can be included in your claim against them.
3. Take your case to a lawyer for evaluation. If you live in Ohio, the Cincinnati sexual harassment attorneys at the Green Law Firm have more than four decades helping victims of workplace harassment seek justice and redress. When you meet with a knowledgeable attorney, you can learn more about your situation, if it meets the level of sexual harassment, and what your options are to have things put right.
4. Be a detailed notetaker writing down everything that is happening to you including actual words and actions, dates, times, and locations. But make sure that you are noting everything on personal equipment. Do not use anything that belongs to your employer.
5. Report to your manager or human resources representative that the harassment is taking place and that it is unwanted.
6. Do not quit your job, but instead continue performing at a high level and standard.
7. Do not retaliate against your abuser.

Speak with a St. Oxford Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

The St. Oxford personal injury attorneys at the Green Law Firm understand how upsetting workplace sexual harassment can be and take fighting for justice seriously. To learn more about how to best handle your workplace harassment situation, please call the Green Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation at (513) 769-0840.