There are numerous ways sexual harassment can occur at work. It can take the form of unwanted touching, offensive remarks or jokes, or someone offering you a promotion in exchange for sexual favors. It can come from a coworker, supervisor, customer, or client.
Sexual harassment doesn’t need to be explicit. Additionally, it may appear as taunting, intimidating, or disrespectful remarks based on preconceptions.
What to do if you have been sexually harassed in California? You must take action if you believe you are a victim of sexual harassment because it makes the victim feel so helpless and violated. The Fair Employment and Housing Act of California and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 both forbid sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination (FEHA).
Actions You Should Consider Being A Sexual Harassment Victim
In order to maintain your right to compensation under Title VII and the FEHA, you must take action if you are a victim of sexual harassment. You might also take the following steps:
1. Make a complaint to your manager
If your supervisor isn’t the harasser, let him or her know about the inappropriate behavior and the efforts you took to fix it. If you do not feel comfortable approaching the harasser directly, begin by raising the issue with your manager or the human resources division. Put your complaint on paper and save a copy as a follow-up in case you need it later.
2. Observe the internal complaint procedure
You should adhere to specific procedures that some businesses have in place for handling accusations of sexual harassment. If you are a member of a union, speak with your union representative about how to proceed with filing a complaint. Once more, you must put everything on paper and maintain a record of your actions.
3. Connect with colleagues
If possible, talk to other coworkers about your situation. You might come across witnesses, advocates who can subsequently support you, or others who have experienced discrimination.
4. Speak to an attorney
If your initial efforts to halt the harassment are unsuccessful, you should speak to a skilled job discrimination attorney as quickly as possible. He can assist you in submitting your administrative grievances and advise you on the best course of action.
Rights You Need To Know
You are entitled to perform your duties in a setting free from discrimination. By law, your employer must give you a secure workplace that is not “hostile” to you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Inform your manager or HR about the harassment. Inform HR, your manager, or senior management in your organization. To ensure you have documentation in case you need it later, we strongly advise reporting in writing (by letter or email) and making copies. In order to prepare for potential future legal action, it’s crucial to report harassment internally first.
Have your concern looked into and treated carefully. Legally, your employer is required to investigate accusations of sexual harassment. The law mandates that as soon as your employer learns of sexual harassment, they must act quickly to put a stop to it and provide you with the necessary protection.
Last Updated on 9 months by Lavania Oluban