Florida employees are sexually harassed every day. It’s easy to fall into the victim mindset, and feel like there’s nothing you can do, but if you’re being sexually harassed at work, you need to know that you’re the one in the power seat.
First, you have the right to speak up about the harassment. If someone is directing offensive behavior at you, it’s time to tell the party who is harassing you to stop. This is an empowering move that you have the legal right to make; and often, the sexual harassment will stop then and there.
Second, if the harassment continues, it’s time to follow the sexual harassment procedure set forth by your employer. Take note of who you’re supposed to report sexual harassment to and go to that individual to make your complaint. Also, follow up your verbal complaint with a written email. If there isn’t a written procedure to follow, simply notify your superior — or his or her boss if it’s your superior who is harassing you. Maintain a record of all instances of sexual harassment that includes the date, time, individuals involved and what happened.
Third, the above two steps should resolve most issues relating to sexual harassment. However, if the problem persists, you may want to reach out to an employment law attorney to assist you in filing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint.
A Florida employment law attorney can evaluate the circumstances pertaining to the sexual harassment you’re experiencing to determine whether you have a viable EEOC complaint. If so, your lawyer can represent you in the litigation of your employment law matter to help you seek just compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered as a result of the harassment.
Source: FindLaw, “Sexual harassment actions you can take,” accessed June 14, 2017
