Steps to Take If You Are Being Sexually Harassed

July 19, 2022

Please keep in mind that it is perfectly normal to be worried, confused, or scared when dealing with sexual harassment or taking action to make it stop. You must do what feels right to you but don’t do anything that might endanger your safety. With that said, if you are being sexually harassed at work, consider taking the following steps:

Ask The Harasser to Stop

If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, tell the harasser to stop what they’re doing. You can tell them in person (make sure that you do so in the company of a trusted coworker), in a letter, or over the phone. When doing this in writing, make sure to keep copies of all communications in case you require proof in the future.

Keep Detailed Notes of Everything Related to the Sexual Harassment

List down what exactly happened, when and where it happened, who did what to whom, and if anyone witnessed it. Your records should likewise include communications and interactions about reporting the harassment incident to your employer, manager, or human resources manager. If you believe that your employer is retaliating against you, keep notes of what they did as well.

Report The Sexual Harassment Incident

Check your company policies and see if there are any mentions or guidelines about discrimination or sexual harassment and details about reporting the misconduct. If you don’t find any information about reporting, check with your HR manager. You can likewise consider collective action, in which you and a coworker or two band together to submit a petition, demand a meeting, or take other actions to stop sexual harassment in the workplace.

Ask Your Union for Help

Speak to the union representative about filing a grievance and check if the collective bargaining agreement has provisions on discrimination or sexual harassment.

File a Complaint Against Your Employer With The Relevant Government Agency

If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in your workplace and filed a complaint with your employer, but the harassment still continues, or your employer retaliated against you in any way or just ignored your report, you can file a complaint against them with the California Department of Fair Housing and Employment (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Talk to a Santa Barbara Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Discuss your case with a lawyer to find out about the best legal options for your specific situation and determine if you have a solid claim against your employer.

Get In Touch With a Skilled Santa Barbara Sexual Harassment Lawyer Now

Sexual harassment is illegal, and no one, regardless of gender, race, gender identity, nationality, or sexual orientation, should suffer sexual harassment in the workplace. If you are being sexually harassed at work and would like to know more about your legal options moving forward, the Santa Barbara sexual harassment lawyer of Bamieh & De Smeth can help.

You can set up a free evaluation of your case with our Santa Barbara sexual harassment lawyer by sending us an online message or calling our office at 805-643-5555.