When sexual harassment occurs on the job, it might be difficult for the victim to take immediate action. Some victims might feel unsure if their experience is considered sexual harassment. Other victims fear ostracization or retaliation if they report the harassment. These challenges might lead a victim to delay making a report. When the victim finally feels comfortable coming forward, they may fear that it is too late. Many victims wonder whether there is a time limit for reporting workplace sexual harassment.
Victims should feel confident in knowing that they do not have to report the sexual harassment to Human Resources within a certain amount of time. This allows victims to come forward during any length of time that they see fit. However, it is important to note that it might be more difficult to report the harassment later. This is due to unfair societal expectations about a victim’s responsibility to report their harassment immediately. To avoid some of the questions, victims are encouraged to report their experience as soon as possible.
Another reason to report sexual harassment immediately is to prevent it happening to another victim. It can be scary to report an individual, however, if it could help another victim, it is worth it. When reporting to Human Resources, the victim should offer plenty of details that include the harasser, the date of the harassment, the frequency of the harassment, and the nature of the harassment. This helps a Human Resources representative determine the best course of action.
Reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
There is no time limit for a victim to report sexual harassment to their Human Resources representative, however, this is not true when a victim reports it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC encourages victims to file their report within 180 or 300 days of the last incident. It is important to note that this time period is dependent on one’s state law. Therefore, victims should do some research before filing the report to the EEOC. Despite this rule, the EEOC often takes reports into consideration even if they pass the limitation date.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Advocate for Sexual Harassment Victims
If you or a loved one encountered sexual harassment in the workplace, please consider contacting a Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. We will fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-1999 for a free consultation today. With offices located in Pennsauken, New Jersey and Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and South Jersey.
