While many efforts have been made to eliminate sexual harassment at work, it is unfortunately still a problem that many people face. Despite what many people think, sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of their race, age, or gender. Sexual harassment at work can also often make people feel that they are in the wrong, which could lead to them being too scared to speak up.
All employees should be educated about sexual harassment at work, and this post is here to help by sharing a few important details.
Can you take legal action if you experience sexual harassment at work?
Sexual harassment is a serious situation and one that shouldn’t be swept under the rug. While many companies may try to convince employees that sexual harassment isn’t a big deal, the opposite is true – it is such a big deal, in fact, that you have grounds for legal action if you are being sexually harassed at work.
If you are an employee experiencing sexual harassment, you may want to consider getting a lawyer to help you build a case.
What is sexual harassment?
So, what exactly does it mean to be sexually harassed? First of all, sexual harassment is any unprofessional behavior of a sexual nature. Since a workplace is a place for professionalism, this is a serious issue.
There are various forms of sexual harassment, from inappropriate comments on someone’s body to more serious offenses such as assault, but it is important to note that any type of sexual harassment is wrong, no matter how mild it may appear. Sexual harassment can lead to people feeling afraid or uncomfortable at work, or even quitting their jobs.
Why should you speak up if you are being sexually harassed?
There is no reason to be embarrassed if you experience sexual harassment, despite what you may think. This is not your fault – it is the fault of the person harassing you, and they are the ones who should be punished.
Your workplace should be a safe environment, and if anyone makes you feel like it isn’t, you shouldn’t be scared to speak up about it. It could even be the case that multiple people are being sexually harassed but that they are worried about the consequences of speaking up. However, if you don’t speak up about it, you may experience negative effects on your mental health such as depression or anxiety.
And while businesses should support employees with anxiety or depression, they should also address the root of that cause if it is sexual harassment at work.
Do you need proof?
Hopefully, people will believe you if you say that you are being sexually harassed. That being said, it will be hard for your superior manager to take disciplinary action against someone if they have no proof that that person is harassing you.
Even if you don’t have proof, you should still try and talk to someone about it, but if you do have proof, even better. If this proof is in the form of inappropriate emails, be sure to make personal backups just in case.
