Mistakes To Avoid As A Victim Of Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Have you been facing sexual harassment in the workplace? If so, make sure you don't make these mistakes that may prove costly for your claim:

Not Being Clear About Your Dislike of the Aggression

There is no excuse for sexual harassment, but you will have a hard time proving your allegations of the aggression if your actions seemed to encourage them. It is easier to succeed with your claim if it is clear that you did not welcome them. Don't be ambiguous about it; the best way to let your aggressor know that you dislike the aggression it to tell them to stop.

Reporting the Harassment Late

Report all incidences of sexual harassment. Failure to report has several consequences, for example:

  • The aggressor may think you are timid and continue with their harassment.
  • The employer cannot stop the aggression if it doesn't know about it.
  • It raises the possibility of the avoidable consequences defense from the employer, who may argue that you wouldn't have suffered severely had you reported the issue early enough.

Delaying Mental Health Care

Most people go for medical checkups when involved in a car crash, so why wouldn't you seek mental treatment due to sexual harassment? The injuries due to sexual harassment may not be as immediate as those of a car accident, but they are there all the same. Depression, anxiety, and loss of concentration are some of the psychological effects of sexual harassment. They also have their physical counterparts, such as headaches and stomach problems.

Getting treatment has two main benefits. First, it helps you regain your healthy self. Secondl, it helps to document your injuries, which makes them quantifiable and helps you get the right damages when processing your claim.

Taking Your Employers Word That You Don't Have a Case

Your employer is supposed to protect you from sexual harassment. Every company should have a specific policy for dealing with sexual harassment issues. The idea is that the employer should have measures in place to stop the harassment and help you get compensation for your damages.

However, a few errant employers may not follow their own policies. For example, an employer may tell you that the aggressor's actions do not constitute sexual harassment in a bid to make you stop pursuing the case. This may happen, for example, if your boss doesn't want to deal with the hassle of a sexual harassment case, wants to protect the company's reputation, or considers the aggressor more valuable (to the company) than you. Therefore, if you are convinced of the merit of your claims, but the boss thinks otherwise, don't take them at their word; consult an attorney to help you pursue the case.

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