In recent years, there has been heightened awareness and conversation surrounding workplace sexual harassment. While progress has been made in recognizing and addressing this issue, many employees still grapple with concerns about the potential repercussions of reporting such misconduct. They worry about being treated differently, getting demoted, or being fired.
Employment laws are in place to protect workers from various forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. However, understanding your rights and how to seek justice can be challenging without legal guidance.
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting sexual harassment. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduction in pay, or any other adverse actions. If you believe you were subjected to retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, you have the right to take legal action against your employer.
Employers have a legal obligation to investigate allegations of sexual harassment promptly and thoroughly:
- Take appropriate action to address the misconduct
- Ensure that the claimant is protected from further harm
If an employer fails to take action or retaliates against the individual who reported the harassment, they may be held liable for violating anti-discrimination laws.
How Should I Report Sexual Harassment?
If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, following your company’s policies and procedures for reporting the misconduct is essential. Many employers have specific protocols in place for handling complaints of sexual harassment. Examples include reporting the behavior to a supervisor, the HR department, or another designated individual.
In addition to following internal reporting procedures, it is wise to document the harassment by keeping a detailed record of the incidents, including dates, times, and any witnesses. That can be invaluable if you need to pursue legal action against your employer.
If you are unsure how to proceed or feel uncomfortable reporting the harassment internally, you can seek guidance from an experienced sexual harassment lawyer. They can advise you on your rights and options for addressing the harassment, including filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or pursuing a lawsuit against your employer.
What Are My Rights If I Am Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment?
If you are terminated from your job in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. In such cases, you can seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
To pursue a wrongful termination claim, you will need to demonstrate that your termination was directly related to your report of sexual harassment. That may require evidence like emails, witness testimony, or other documentation supporting your claim.
An experienced sexual harassment lawyer can assess the strength of your case and guide you through the legal process. They can help you gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and represent your interests in negotiations or court proceedings.
What Should I Do if I Witness Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
If you witness sexual harassment in the workplace, it is essential to take action to support the employee and help stop the misconduct. You can report the harassment to HR or a supervisor, provide a statement to support the employee’s complaint, and offer to serve as a witness if necessary. Additionally, you should document the incident as accurately as possible to ensure the matter is appropriately addressed.
Contact a Bucks County Sexual Harassment Lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. for a Free, Confidential Consultation
No employee should fear retaliation for reporting sexual harassment in the workplace. If you have experienced harassment or retaliation, contact our skilled, compassionate Bucks County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Complete our online form or call 215-569-1999 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Cherry Hill.
