Sexual harassment is a very serious issue and one that is unfortunately all too common. Sexual harassment can take many forms, and both men and women can be victims, but it is also hard to know what to do if you have been harassed in the workplace. It is important that you take action to protect yourself, prevent the issue from happening again, and so that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. Sexual harassment can take its toll professionally, but it can also cause a tremendous amount of anguish in your life that can be hard to manage. Here are a few tips for coping with sexual harassment that will hopefully help.
Speak Up
Many people are scared to speak up when they have been harassed in the workplace, especially if they are not sure that their experience qualifies. As mentioned in the intro, sexual harassmentcan take many forms but broadly refers to any unwanted behavior of a sexual nature in the workplace. If this is something that you experience, you should speak up, whether letting the person know that their actions/words are inappropriate or reporting to colleagues. It is also important to report the harassment to HR so that appropriate action can be taken.
Document Instances
It is also important to document instances of sexual harassment, including locations, dates, times, and any witnesses. You may also be able to obtain evidence, whether this is CCTV footage or recording on your phone if it is an ongoing situation.
Hire A Sexual Harassment Attorney
You should notify HR, but it is also important to hire a sexual harassment attorney. Having a specialist lawyer in your corner who can work on your behalf and seek the best possible outcome is important. An Irvine sexual harassment lawyer can help to resolve your case, which can lead to compensation for any financial losses you may have incurred. as well as for emotional suffering. In addition to this, they can also make sure that the responsible party is held to account, whether this is sex offender registration, a hefty fine, or jail time. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you can focus on recovering emotionally from the experience.
Look After Yourself
Following this, you must also make sure that you look after yourself. Sexual harassment can be extremely traumatic, so you need to reach out to loved ones for support, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and find activities that help you to relax.
Consider A Support Group
You should certainly lean on friends and family for support, but it is also worth considering joining a support group. It is helpful to speak to others who have gone through the same or similar experience, whether this is an in-person support group or an online community. Talking with others could help you to process what has happened, and you could learn important coping strategies.
It is hoped that the information in this article will be useful and help you to manage and take the best course of action if you ever experience sexual harassment in the workplace.
