Sexual harassment at work is a huge issue, and you need to know what to do about it.

If you are experiencing harassment at work, an experienced harassment lawyer can not only give you invaluable counsel but will help you protect yourself and your rights.

There are actions you should immediately take to make that harassment stop to ensure your own safety and dignity at work.

1. Recognize the harassment

First, you need to determine if what you are experiencing constitutes harassment. Unwanted sexual advances like suggestive comments, inappropriate jokes, or physical touching are all types of sexual harassment. Note that even if the behavior is subtle or non-violent, it can be considered harassment if it makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Mostly, people do not realize that harassment can be verbal, physical, or digital, and all of it is wrong. If the unwanted behavior continues, chances are it is harassment.

2. Document the harassment

Document as much as you remember about the incident, like the time of the incident, date, location, people involved, and any witnesses. Note down the exact comments or actions that made you feel awkward and how they affected your work or your emotional state.

If you file an official complaint or take the legal route to deal with the matter, then a detailed record will be available as evidence of the matter. The fact that you have a documented history of these sorts of things helps connect the dots, as it provides a pattern of behavior that strengthens your case.

3. Make it clear their behavior is unwelcome

Be clear and firm that this behavior is inappropriate and unwanted. For example, you might say, “I do not like these remarks, and I need you to stop making them.”

It also helps to set boundaries because the behavior is not okay. If the harassment persists after you have made it clear that it is unwanted, you will need to escalate it.

4. Tell your employer about the harassment

If the harassment continues, report it to your employer. Most organizations handle complaints of harassment through HR or a designated officer. Document the impact of this harassment on your work and your well-being and report it, if required, providing your evidence with it.

Your employer has a legal obligation to do something about the harassment after you file a complaint. This could be a basis for taking legal action if they do nothing about it or retaliate against you.

5. Consider legal action

Failure of your employer to act or retaliatory action on their part may require legal action. If you have been harassed, an experienced harassment lawyer can help you understand federal law, such as the Illinois Human Rights Act. These laws can protect you from harassment.

6. Take care of yourself

Harassment takes an emotional toll. You need to care about your mental as well as your emotional health as you progress through this process. Get support from a counsellor, therapist, or support group to help you with the emotional challenge that comes with this.

Alternatively, you can talk to a trusted friend or colleague about it. However, if the harassment is keeping you from working, a lawyer can help you consider your options for taking time off or asking for workplace adjustments.

Conclusion

Any sexual harassment at the workplace is not okay, and you can take action. Recognize the behavior, document the incident, and clearly communicate that it is unwelcome.

If you are being harassed, your options include reporting it to your employer and, if necessary, seeking legal guidance. A respectful workplace should have laws to protect you from sexual harassment. By following these steps, you can understand your rights are being upheld and what you can do to seek justice.

Guest writer.