• 15
  • November
    2011

California law protects workers from sexual harassment, but an expert with a professional counseling service said that very few individuals who suffer from sexual harassment actually file complaints. Having experienced sexual harassment herself, the expert said that many people find it intimidating to report sexual harassment to an employer. Employees fear they will lose their jobs, lose respect from colleagues or suffer other kinds of retaliatory action.

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, the expert recommends that you prepare before filing a complaint to ensure your safety. If there was a witness to the offense, tell him or her about your plan to report it. Additionally, you should write down how and where the harassment took place and what exactly was done or said to constitute harassment.

Even those who do not file official complaints should still talk to a friend or counselor about how the incident impacted them. She estimates that only about 1 percent of individuals that see her for sexual harassment ever end up taking action, but counseling is still a helpful form of a support.

One victim of sexual harassment explained some of the difficulties with reporting such incidents. She said her employer began making advances at her, becoming increasingly offensive until she filed a report. After that, she said her boss became irritable, causing the two to "constantly hit heads at work," finally prompting her to quit. She said that she believes she made the right decision, but understands that it can be difficult for other victims to do the same.

If you were the victim of sexual harassment, it is important to know that you can hold your harasser liable. Experienced employment law attorneys can help you understand the protections the law offers. Regardless, it is illegal for your company or boss to retaliate against you if you report harassment.

Source: abc 15, "Victim of workplace sexual harassment? You may not be alone," Christopher Sign, Nov. 13, 2011