You arrive at work each day hoping it’ll be better than the last, but it never is. The inappropriate comments from your boss have continued, and you dread running into him in the breakroom. You’ve tried ignoring it and avoiding him, but you know deep down that’s not the solution. What you’re experiencing is harassment, plain and simple, and you deserve better. Don’t let another day go by without taking action. There are employment laws in place to protect you, and a qualified San Diego sexual harassment attorney can walk you through the process of holding your employer accountable. With the right legal help, you can regain control and ensure a safe, respectful workplace. The team at Smith & Davis has decades of experience successfully representing clients like you all over San Diego.
Steps to Take if You Are Being Sexually Harassed
Sexual harassment at work can take many disturbing forms. Unwanted sexual advances are never okay. If a coworker pressures you for dates or physical intimacy after you’ve said no, that’s harassment.
Pay attention to inappropriate comments. Remarks about your appearance, crude jokes, or sexual innuendos can create a hostile work environment. Even if said in jest, these comments are demeaning and unacceptable.
Watch out for inappropriate touching. Hugging, kissing, groping, or any unwanted physical contact constitutes harassment. Speak up right away and report the behavior to HR.
Be aware of quid pro quo harassment. If a manager or coworker threatens your job or career in exchange for sexual favors, that’s illegal quid pro quo harassment. Report it immediately.
The bottom line is if you feel uncomfortable with the way a coworker is acting towards you, trust your instincts. Don’t wait for the behavior to escalate before taking action. Talk to HR, contact an employment lawyer, or file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You have rights, and there are laws in place to protect you. Don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you from putting an end to harassment in your workplace.
Why You Should Contact a San Diego Sexual Harassment Attorney
If you’re dealing with inappropriate behavior at work, it’s important to take action. Document everything. Keep a written record of dates, times, what was said or done, and witnesses. Get copies of emails or messages. All of this will support your claim.
Tell the harasser to stop. Speak directly, saying, “Your comments/behavior make me uncomfortable. Please stop.” If you feel unsafe addressing it directly, get help from HR or a manager.
Report the harassment. File a formal complaint with HR or your manager and provide the details of your documentation. If the company doesn’t take action, you may need to get local authorities or the EEOC involved. You have rights, and you deserve a safe work environment.
Talk to others who witnessed or experienced harassment. See if coworkers have also been targeted and are willing to report the behavior as a group. There is power in numbers, and multiple complaints will clearly signal to the company that real change needs to happen.
Consult with an employment lawyer. They can advise you of your rights and options, help determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit, and put pressure on your employer to take corrective action. You don’t have to deal with this alone.
Conclusion
Standing up to harassment and demanding change isn’t easy, but you owe it to yourself and your coworkers to take action. With the right steps, you can put an end to inappropriate behavior and make your workplace a respectful environment once again.
