Five Things You Must Know About Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment can take a significant toll on both physical and mental health. However, sexual harassment victims should not be afraid to pursue legal action against the harasser. Not taking any legal action against the harasser will encourage them to perform the misdeed again. It would also be helpful if the victims contacted a Sexual Harassment attorney virginia, and pressed charges with their help. 

Apart from legal assistance, one can also prevent sexual harassment at the workplace by being aware of some necessary factors. Such factors can not only help you in being safe but also help others be safe. The victim should ensure to file legal complaints with their superiors, government or federal agencies, and the EEOC for their claim. 

• Forms 

You should know that sexual harassment can come in many forms. Sexual harassment is defined in two ways: quid pro quo and a hostile work environment. In case of quid pro quo, a supervisor may ask an employee to go on a date with them in exchange for a promotion. 

The other form or definition of sexual harassment can come into play in a hostile and unsafe workplace. Unwanted or pervasive behavior by someone in the workplace has often resulted in a sexual assault. Pervasive sexual harassment refers to repeated patterns of offensive behavior. 

• Numbers 

You might think it is hard to know how common sexual harassment is, but the number of sexual harassment cases is significantly high. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) has reported over 7000 sexual harassment charges. As the numbers are high, it would be most helpful if victims came forward and tried to stop the misdeed. Fearing superiors or other professionals in the workplace will only help the numbers rise more. 

• Multiple steps 

After encountering sexual harassment, the victim will have multiple steps to take. For instance, tolerating the act will only increase the chances of it occurring again. It would be best to file a complaint, consult the human or personal resources department, contact EEOC, or hire a lawyer are some of the common steps a victim can take. 

• Retaliation 

Your employer can likely retaliate against the victim after they file a complaint. However, the victim should know that retaliation is illegal. The victim must take action against the employer with the help of an attorney in Virginia if the employer tries to transfer them or prevents them from other job opportunities. 

• Obligation 

Stopping sexual harassment is not only the victim’s obligation, but everyone is obligated to do so. If you encounter sexual harassment from your workplace colleagues, you must take steps to stop it. If you or someone you know has been a sexual harassment victim, you must reach out to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.