What to Do if You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work

If you’re like many people, you need to know what to do if you are being sexually harassed at work. Take it from us – you’re not alone.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is far more widespread than any of us would like to think, with nearly two in five women reporting sexual harassment at work and half as many men. Even worse, many cases actually go unreported; that means it’s happening far more than anyone is willing to admit.

So what should you do if you’re being sexually harassed at work?

What to Do if You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work

There are several things you can do if you are being sexually harassed at work. Here are a few good routes to take:

• Tell your harasser to stop.
• Find out whether your employer has an anti-harassment policy
• Talk to a supervisor
• File a formal complaint
• Talk to an attorney

Related: Workplace harassment examples

#1. Tell your harasser to stop.

If you feel comfortable, tell – don’t ask – your harasser to stop. You can also have someone else tell your harasser to stop, such as a coworker you trust or a supervisor. If the harasser is your supervisor, take things to the next level by going to his or her boss.

Related: What is quid pro quo sexual harassment?

#2. Find out whether your employer has an anti-harassment policy.

Many employers have an anti-harassment policy that you can find on your company’s website or in your employee handbook. You can also ask your supervisor or your company’s HR department. In many cases, a company’s anti-harassment policy details all the steps you need to take if you’re being sexually harassed at work.

Related: What is sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment?

#3. Talk to a supervisor.

If your company doesn’t have an anti-harassment policy in writing, talk to a supervisor about what’s going on. You can talk to your supervisor, the supervisor of the person who’s harassing you, or any other supervisor you’re comfortable talking to. Know that companies are required by law to take complaints of sexual harassment seriously – and the law protects you from retaliation.

The supervisor you talk to can let you know what to do if you are being sexually harassed at work. If you don’t like the answer you get, go to another supervisor. Don’t be afraid to escalate your questions or complaint to the next level by going to that person’s supervisor, either. Again, the law protects you against retaliation.

It is illegal for an employer to punish job applicants or employees for asserting their rights.

Related: California Employee Rights Handbook

#4. File a formal complaint.

Put your complaint in writing and give it to the appropriate supervisor. Keep a copy for yourself. If your employer doesn’t take steps to end the sexual harassment you’re experiencing at work, you may need to take a more serious step: You might need to talk to a Glendale sexual harassment lawyer.

#5. Talk to an attorney.

If your employer doesn’t take the appropriate steps to end sexual harassment you’re experiencing in the workplace, call a sexual harassment attorney. You need someone who’s willing to fight for your rights and who knows the law – and how the law is designed to protect you, what steps you need to take and what kind of remedies are available to you.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About What to Do if You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work?

If you’re being sexually harassed at work and need to know what to do, we can help you. Call us right now at 818-629-0632 – we’ll be happy to answer your questions about harassment of any kind in the workplace and help determine whether you may have legal recourse.