What Can I Do About a Coworker Who Won’t Stop Sexually Harassing Me?
Did you know that sexual harassment affects one in four women in the workplace according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission? The rate of harassment claims filed on behalf of men is also at an all-time high.
Sexual harassment is highly destructive, for both the victim and the company. If you have a coworker who won’t stop sexually harassing you, you owe it to yourself to put an end to it once and for all. Here’s how you do it.
How to Stop Sexual Harassment
The first step, and sometimes the only step needed, is to talk to the perpetrator. In many cases, the harasser is unaware that they are being inappropriate or that they have made you feel uncomfortable. Simply talking to them is often enough to get someone to change their attitude and actions.If that doesn’t stop the harassment immediately, then you may need to go higher up. Speak to your manager, and/or the harasser’s supervisor about the inappropriate behavior. The company that you work for has a responsibility to stop sexual harassment.
If your supervisor IS the person who is harassing you, which is not uncommon, then go to your human resources department. Part of their job is to investigate, discover, discipline, and prevent harassment. Ask a friend to go with you if you are uncomfortable with going to HR.
If the problem still persists, it’s time to speak with an employment attorney. You may be able to file a claim against the harasser and the company for failing to deal with the harassment.
Dallas employment lawyer Dan A. Atkerson has been fighting for victims of sexual harassment for years. He knows how to make the harassment stop for good.
