How to Protect Your Rights If You Were Sexually Harassed At Work

 Posted on June 12, 2023 in Main

State and federal law prohibits sexual harassment of employees. Unwanted sexual or romantic advances, explicit conversations, derogatory remarks, and discrimination against an employee on the basis of gender are just some of the ways in which sexual harassment can manifest itself in the workplace. If you have been sexually harassed at work, it’s important to protect your rights and take action. Here are some steps you can take:

Document Everything That Was Said and Done

Keep a written log of any instances of harassment and note dates, times, locations, witnesses, and details of what was said or done. Make sure to save any emails, letters, voicemails, or other evidence that is relevant to the harassment.

Report the Harassment

Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have been sexually harassed at work. Make sure to report the harassment in writing, via e-mail,  to your supervisor, human resources department, or other designated representative. In some cases, you may be required to fill out a formal complaint form or incident report. Check your employee handbook for instructions on how to report sexual harassment or discrimination at your workplace, and always keep a copy of the report.

Gather Supporting Evidence

In order to protect your rights and make it easier to prove that sexual harassment occurred, you may need to collect additional evidence. This can include statements from witnesses as well as any physical evidence, such as medical records, photos, or recordings. Make sure to document any medical expenses resulting from the harassment, including counseling or therapy costs.

Know Your Rights Regarding Employer Retaliation

Employers are legally prohibited from retaliating against an employee for reporting sexual harassment or participating in a sexual harassment investigation. Employer retaliation can take many forms, including firing, demoting, reducing hours, or making false accusations against the employee.

Consult an Attorney

It’s a good idea to seek legal advice if you have been sexually harassed at work. An experienced attorney can advise you on your rights and options for pursuing legal action against the harasser and/or your employer. An attorney can also provide guidance and representation if you have experienced any form of retaliation from your employer.

Contact our Wheaton Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Taking steps to protect your rights is key when it comes to dealing with sexual harassment at work. Documenting everything that happened, reporting the incident, gathering evidence, and knowing your rights will put you in a better position to stand up against harassment and seek restitution.

The DuPage County sexual harassment lawyers at MKFM Law have decades of experience helping victims of workplace harassment pursue justice. Our team is committed to providing skilled legal representation for individuals in need, and we are here to help you protect your rights. Contact us today at 630-665-7300 for an Initial Attorney Meeting.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2266&ChapterID=64