If you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, then you know that it can be humiliating and frightening. Reporting such instances to your employer should put such behavior to a stop, but the sad reality is that oftentimes employers push these allegations under the rug and even punish those who report harassing behavior. This is unfair and illegal, which is why if you find yourself in this position, then you may want to consider taking legal action.
Ways to proactively build your case
As you think about moving forward with a legal case, you’ll want to ensure that you’re preserving your claim as fully as possible. Therefore, moving forward, you may want to do each of the following:
- Keep notes: If you take your case forward, then you’re going to need detailed accounts of the harassing behavior to which you’ve been subjected. By writing it down shortly after it occurs, you can ensure that you’re capturing the time, date, and context so that you can more clearly present it later on.
- Retain communications: Try to communicate with your employer in written format so that there’s a paper trail. Then, keep all of these correspondences so that you can use them later on.
- Talk to witnesses: You’re probably not the only one who has been subjected to sexual harassment in your workplace, but even if you are, there are probably several people who saw you being subjected to it. Speak to these individuals and take down their accounts and their contact information.
- Protect your work record: If you proceed with a legal claim, then your employer is likely to argue that the negative employment action that was taken against you was justified due to poor work performance. Therefore, think of ways that you can show your strong work records, which may include submitting performance appraisals and complimentary emails.
Fight to let your voice be heard
Far too often those who have been subjected to sexual harassment are silenced by their employers. Don’t let this happen to you. Stand up for your workplace rights and let your voice be heard. After all, your claim will probably speak for other women in your workplace and give them the courage to stand up, too. When you’re ready to move forward with your case, law firms like ours stand ready to help.