Protect Yourself from Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

It might be disappointing but the ugly truth can’t be denied —sexual harassment in the workplace is very common, and can happen to anyone at any given time and place. In fact, it is a growing problem in the workplace.

Below are several ways how you could protect yourself against any nature of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Be fully aware.

Having the right knowledge definitely makes one powerful. People should be aware about the existing laws addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. For additional information about sexual harassment in the workplace, quoted below are several provisions stated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):

•    Harassing an applicant or an employee based on sex is illegal. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and other verbal or physical abuse of a sexual nature.

•    Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and of same gender as well.

•    Although simple teasing, offhand comments or isolated incidents are not prohibited under the law, when the gestures become frequent and severe, creating a hostile workplace environment for the abused or when it results in a hostile employment decision, it becomes illegal.

•    Harasser can be the victim’s immediate supervisor or a supervisor in another area, a coworker, a client, or a customer.

Dress appropriately

One can gain respect from others by dressing modestly. Always look professional. Admit it or not, women are the first ones to be blamed when someone gives a lustful look on her cleavage or in her legs when they dress in an inappropriate way.

Always feel and look confident

Harassers love to assault the weaker ones or the ones that look vulnerable since harassers easily get intimidated by women with power or strong personality. Strength will serve as your biggest weapon against possible sexual harassment. Another thing is that people with confidence has the ability to pursue a harassment complaint to a higher authority.

Keep records

Maintain a record, like a diary detailing every single sexual advance that the harasser had done unto you. Consider it as your only form of proof should the harassment goes severe and you decide to take it to court.

Get surrounded by friends or colleagues

Always be with a group of trusted co-workers. Avoid being alone whether during meal break or rest break. Although colleagues may not be able to avoid a harasser in his advances, at least you will have witnesses if he makes unwelcome advances, which can make your claim stronger.

Although sexual harassment in the workplace could never be avoided, victims may seek justice and recover compensation in employment sexual harassment case. An experienced Los Angeles employment lawyer helps such victim in seeking compensation for the abusive and illegal behavior and makes the responsible party accountable for its misconducts.