How Do You Cope With a Violation of Your Rights?
Victims of sexual harassment may feel conflicting emotions. On the one hand, they may feel anger, disgust and a loss of self-esteem. On the other hand, they may feel afraid and anxious about the possibility of losing their jobs — especially if the CEO, the owner or manager of the company where they work is the person harassing them.
Many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace fear that reporting the matter will result in retaliation. Perhaps their boss will demote them, give them a poor work performance evaluation, or simply fire them. Worse yet, victims may fear that no one will believe them.
You Don't Have to Tolerate Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you've been sexually harassed in the workplace, the attorneys at The Armstrong Law Firm want you to know that you do have rights. There is legal recourse. You have a right to be to fight against inappropriate conduct.
Are you feeling the mental stress that comes with any form of sexual harassment?
- Inappropriate touching
- Sexually explicit jokes, language, phone calls or e-mails
- Denied promotion or job opportunities
- Demands for a date or sexual favors in return for something, quid pro quo sexual harassment
- Retaliation or hostile work environment
Both the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and federal law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. In California if a manager engages in sex harassment against an employee under their direct supervision, the company may be held strictly liable (responsible regardless of fault). Furthermore, it is against the law for employers to retaliate against you because you complain about sexual harassment.
Top Ten Tips for Victims of Sexual Harassment
For many victims of sexual harassment, it takes courage to speak out. But it's the only way to protect your rights and your job. Here are some simple tips for dealing with it in the workplace:
1. Contact The Armstrong Law Firm so that we can help Obtain a Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Right to Sue Letter before it is too late. We don't recommend that you do this on your own.
2. The Armstrong Law Firm can help you write a letter or e-mail to a manager so your complaint of sexual harassment is in writing.
3. Make sure it is clear to your harasser that the offensive conduct is unwelcome
4. Keep a journal of all incidents with the dates and details
5. Do not engage in behavior, jokes, or interactions at work that could be used against you
6. Do not drink alcohol with co-workers or managers
7. Obtain a copy of all of your employer's sexual harassment policies, so that The Armstrong Law Firm can determine whether your employer has violated its own policies
8. Make a list of all potential witnesses, they can also be anonymous witnesses
9. If you are experiencing emotional distress communicate your symptoms to your doctor
10. Make an appointment with a psychologist or therapist to begin documenting your emotional distress symptoms
Learn more at our sexual harassment practice center
Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers represent victims of sexual harassment in communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and California.
