Protecting Yourself From Sexual Harassment

Advice from employment attorney Donna Ballman

Sexual harassment isn’t easy to prove. Most  harassers are careful when it comes to making threats or offering favors in exchange for submission, or even when making sexist remarks, so it often comes down to your word against his or hers. But there are things that you can do to protect yourself according to Donna Ballman in an article about proving sexual harassment on Aol Jobs

Ballman describes two kinds of sexual harassment. One is quid pro quo sexual harassment where you are offered a job, promotion, etc. if you submit to the harasser, or are threatened with being demoted, fired or punished in some way if you don’t submit. The other type of sexual harassment is called hostile environment which includes the harasser making sexual comments, derogatory comments about your gender, or even treating people of your gender differently.

Whatever you are experiencing Ballman says it’s essential to document the behavior. When dealing with quid pro quo sexual harassment write down the date, time, place and any witnesses. If you feel that you’re working in a hostile environment document any comments or different treatment – take good notes and document the date, time, place and any witnesses to the behavior.

In the article, Ballman also provides several ways you can protect yourself:

Keep your documentation in a safe place – on your person, in your briefcase or on your personal computer at home. Don’t leave your notes in your desk or on your office computer.

Gather evidence of the harassers’ behavior. If he or she is sending you emails, texts, cards, etc. keep copies. Take screen shots of text messages, print emails and keep everything in a safe place.

Report the behavior. Make sure that you’ve followed your company’s sexual harassment policy and reported it to the correct person in writing.

If after these steps nothing is being done Ballman suggests filing with the EEOC and speaking to an employment attorney.

To read the complete article visit Aol Jobs.