Reporting Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Despite the presence of laws that have been passed to protect people from sexual harassment, such forms of discrimination still exist in the workplace.

As an individual, you must fight for your own rights. If you are experiencing sexual harassment, you should take some steps to resolve the issue. One of the first things that you can do is to confront the harasser yourself. If you are not successful and the harassment still continues, you should ask your employer for support.

In such cases, it is necessary that you report the issue to the appropriate authorities. Often, this is the one in charge of the human resources department or your supervisor. If you are a bit uncomfortable, you may bring your friend with you.

The one who is in charge ought to be able to present you certain options on how the circumstances can be dealt with, including formal and informal actions that you and/or your supervisor can take. Here are a few suggestions:

• Your supervisor can contact your department or unit without having to mention your name. He/She can give training, remarking that he/she has some concerns regarding sexual harassment in that department, especially if such some people have already complained or such actions have been public.


• A note or memo, with the policy enclosed, can also be sent out to the harasser, reminding him/her that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.


• The one who is in charge may also talk directly to the harasser, notifying him/her that his/her conduct can violate the policy of the company, as well as state and federal laws.

The one in charge should state that retaliation is prohibited, along with certain examples of retaliation. If you are willing, he/she can also be able to organize a meeting with you and the harasser to tackle up the problem and work out some kind of solution. This is not mandatory, as there is no such requirement in the law, nor should there be one in a company policy.

Occasionally, mediation is offered as a method to solve issues regarding sexual harassment. Traditional mediation isn’t always suitable and must be used with extreme care.

If ever you have decided to engage in mediation, you should make sure that the mediator is experienced in dealing with such issues. You should also ask what they expect to achieve from this and have them explain to you in great detail what are the things involved in the process.

There are also certain situations where mediation techniques are used even though the involved parties never meet. The mediator goes back and forth between the harassed and the harasser, discussing the issue to the parties separately, so as to work out a solution.

It is important that you keep record of all the actions you have taken with the person in charge. If you believe that your complaint is not handled properly or taken seriously, you may discuss the problem with someone else and go up the administrative ladder.

Employment Attorney on Sexual Harassment

Dealing with sexual harassment can be difficult. It is important that you consult with an employment attorney on sexual harassment to assist you in all your legal concerns and help you resolve such problems.