Sexual harassment is prohibited under numerous federal and state laws. Understanding the legal framework for addressing sexual harassment in the workplace can help you take the appropriate steps and defend your rights.
How to Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
There are multiple steps that you can take to report workplace sexual harassment and reach a resolution. Ideally, you’ll only need to take the first step, but if your employer doesn’t respond appropriately, you may need to seek legal action.
- Step 1: Document all evidence, including your response to the harasser saying their actions are unwelcome. Evidence may include text messages, emails, photos, witnesses, and any other relevant information.
- Step 2: Report the incident to your employer or human resources, following any company policies regarding harassment. Many companies have an official procedure to follow for addressing harassment. It’s crucial to take this step as soon as possible to ensure the best possible result.
- Step 3: Report the harassment to the Florida Commission on Human Relations or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies will review the report and documentation before investigating and taking steps to resolve it.
- Step 4: Contact an experienced Florida sexual harassment attorney for professional support. You may want to take this step immediately after reporting the incident to your employer if they don’t take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.
Your attorney will evaluate the situation and evidence, including any negative actions from your employer (like retaliation or poor performance evaluations), to determine the best path forward. It may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit to secure damages for lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and damage to reputation.
Experiencing workplace sexual harassment can be extremely harmful to your well-being. Thankfully, there is a legal framework in place to protect your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Contact Weldon & Rothman, PL, to schedule a free case review for workplace harassment.