Despite strict laws against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, many employees encounter this type of misconduct daily. If you have experienced such unlawful behavior yourself, it’s important to know how to handle it properly. You must take certain steps to protect your rights. Coming forward with a complaint has its challenges, but it’s often the only way to get out of a hostile work environment and move forward.

Do: 

Keep detailed records. 

It’s imperative to document every act of harassment or discrimination you endure. This will be instrumental in proving your case. Keep detailed records of all correspondence with your harasser, making a log of each comment, threat, voicemail, note, and email you’ve received that could be deemed harassing or discriminatory. Also, write down the dates, times, and places each offensive behavior occurred and any witnesses that were around. 

Follow the appropriate reporting procedures. 

Before reporting sexual harassment or discrimination to anyone, you should review your company’s policy on the appropriate procedures to follow. This can usually be found in an employee handbook, on posters in the break room, or in collective bargaining agreements. You are required to take the steps as outlined by your employer for reporting unwelcome conduct to the person designated to receive such complaints.

Don’t: 

Wait to file a complaint.  

The law typically places a deadline on how long employees have to file a complaint once an incident has taken place. It’s likely you will need to notify your employer and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission within a short timeframe following the harassing or discriminatory behavior. Waiting too long to make your complaint known will put you at risk of losing the ability to seek damages. 

Neglect to hire a lawyer. 

Sexual harassment and discrimination are difficult to prove. It generally takes an established employment law attorney to help gather all the evidence necessary to support a claim. Additionally, they will ensure you have filled out and filed all required paperwork correctly and protect your rights from being violated through retaliation. 

Though emotions tend to run high in cases involving sexual harassment and discrimination, it’s essential not to act impulsively. Saying and doing the wrong thing can be detrimental to your case. At the Charles H. Brower Law Corporation, a team of skilled employment law attorneys is available to help victims of workplace harassment and discrimination obtain the compensation they deserve. With years of experience serving the residents of Honolulu, HI, they can provide the guidance employees need to stand up for their rights and fight against retaliation. Call (808) 526-2688 to explore your legal options or visit them online to learn more.