What To Do About Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

While sexual harassment is illegal – and unacceptable – it still happens in workplaces across the United States. In fact, statistics from 2022 show that 11,090 sexual harassment cases were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment, it is important to understand the steps you need to take to protect your legal rights and get justice.

Taking the First Step

If you are being sexually harassed by a co-worker, your first step is to notify your employer that a co-worker is sexually harassing you. Your employer should take action to prevent further harassment. If your employer is the person harassing you, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

When the Sexual Harassment Does Not Stop

If you notified your employer of the sexual harassment and it doesn’t stop, contact an employment attorney with extensive experience in sexual harassment in the workplace immediately. Your attorney will listen to your story and help you take action to prove the sexual harassment in court.

How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment?

Even if your case seems like a ‘he said / she said’ case, you most likely have evidence. An experienced sexual harassment attorney can help you find the evidence you need, including:

• Documentation: If you are being sexually harassed, make recordings of the encounters, keep text messages, and document each incident by writing down the offender, date, time, and actions you both took. Also, document how your employer responds to your claims.
• Correspondence: If you shared your experience with co-workers, family, or medical providers, you will need a copy of that correspondence, especially correspondence with a co-worker, whether emails or texts, where the co-worker experienced or is experiencing the same harassment.
• Witnesses: Current and former employees may be a source of information if they witnessed someone harassing you or if they suffered sexual harassment before leaving the job.
• Reporting: If you reported the harassment to your employer or HR, make sure you keep copies of your reports.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact our team today by calling 757-223-4580 to schedule a consultation. As a skilled employment lawyer with decades of experience handling sexual harassment litigation for clients in Newport News, VA, and surrounding areas, Attorney Shoemaker remains committed to helping those harmed get justice. We are available to listen to your story and take the appropriate action. Do not delay. Call now to get started on your case.