Brought to you by The Sattiraju Law Firm, P.C.:
Sexual harassment is one of the toughest challenges that organizations grapple with today. However, it’s essential to note that despite the fact that it is mostly perpetrated against female workers, male workers also fall victim. Either way, the effects are no doubt catastrophic to organizations and the victims as well.
A poll conducted in 2017 by ABC, revealed that an estimated 33 million women fell victim to sexual harassment in their workplaces. 30% of that number said the perpetrators were their male colleagues. While higher-ranking employees or organizational leaders perpetrated 25% of the cases, these numbers are colossal if viewed from individual perspectives.
Despite having adverse organizational effects, the employees go through a lot of adverse effects such as;
- Psychological effects
- Low productivity
- Emotional challenges
- Financial challenges
What should you do if you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace? The following tips should assist in tipping the scales of justice in your favor:
Know Your Rights
Everyone has rights, both as a worker and a human. It is essential to know your rights and stand by them no matter the circumstances. A significant percentage of victims are not aware of their human/worker’s rights. If they were, then they were afraid of being victimized and facing a hard time in their working environment if they spoke up.
Report to Relevant Authorities
If your colleague sexually harasses you, it’s essential to communicate the incident to the person who is in charge. This could be instrumental in solving your case early. Therefore, always express your concerns early. Waiting too long might have deeper psychological effects.
Preserve or Gather Evidence
Different cases qualify to be classified as sexual harassment. If it’s a verbal case, you’re probably wondering how to collect evidence. One way may be to record it with your phone’s recorder.
If the harasser prefers to communicate through electronic means, it’s vital that you keep those messages. The messages might be sent through social media platforms, emails, and SMS. Gathering and keeping this evidence helps ensure that you have a strong case against the perpetrator.
Sometimes these cases might involve some level of physical harassment. If you’re in such a situation, it’s essential to report it to the police quickly. Physical evidence can help you build a stronger case in your favor.
Seek Counseling
The psychological effects of cases of sexual harassment not only affect your mental state and your productivity. These cases can change the way you perceive society and especially members of the opposite sex. A good therapist will guide you through challenging periods.
Seek the Services of an Attorney
If the sexual harasser has some influence in the organization, it will translate to some bias when seeking justice through the organization’s avenues. Through the courts, an exceptional lawyer will ensure that you’re served justice.
Summary
Cases of sexual harassment are a sad reality in most organizations. By carefully taking into consideration the above tips, you should go a long way in ensuring that your rights are safeguarded.
