EasyLlama Consistently Recognized Among Top Training Software Solutions
How To Handle A Sexual Harassment Complaint As A Victim
Sexual Harassment in the workplace is illegal, and once it is reported to the employer, it must be dealt with as quickly as possible. The Human Resources Department should be able to start this process off as they have all the relevant information and will know how to move forward with filing a complaint.
Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is defined as "unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability or genetic information."
This can be a complicated topic if you have not navigated it before. Turn to EasyLlama to take your Executive Team through the process.
How to Handle a Complaint
Firstly, it is important to report the complaint within a designated timeframe, depending on the laws in your state. Putting a formal complaint in writing is the official way to proceed, and be certain to sign and date the letter. Make sure that the subject line says 'Official Complaint of Sexual Harassment'. This way your complaint cannot be legally ignored or misconstrued.
Send a copy of the complaint to your supervisor so that they are quite clear about what is happening. The body of the letter will contain details of what actually happened to cause you to make the complaint. If there were any witnesses to the sexual harassment, their names should be included as well. Keep the wording of the letter simple and clear and end it by thanking them for looking into it.
Harassment Complaints Are Increasing
In all countries, sexual harassment cases and complaints are increasing and there are now telephone and online counseling services that will instruct you how to make a complaint against the perpetrator. A common complaint is a man harassing a fellow female colleague about going out with him when she has clearly stated that she is not interested in social activities with him. What is interesting is that statistics show that only 45% of workplace sexual harassment cases stop after a complaint is made. Fellow workers who witness such behavior should bear some responsibility in preventing this from happening again by letting the perpetrator know that his type of behavior will not be tolerated.
Workplace Harassment Investigation
The investigation will include a review of both your file and the personal file of the accused individual. The Human Resources Department will then check to see if anything like this has happened before. This is all part of handling the complaint process, which EasyLlama is here to help you understand.
The accused will also be interviewed and his or her responses will be documented. When that has been completed, your supervisor should take action to address the problem. The law prohibits retaliation for making a sexual harassment complaint, so you should not be punished for making a truthful report.
The organization can be held liable for sexual harassment if they do not take appropriate steps to deal with the problem. Because the law is on your side, you should expect that the complaint will be handled respectfully and quickly.
Simple Examples for A Better Understanding
There is now sexual harassment training available for the workplace, and EasyLlama helps initiate these training programs, which lay down clear boundaries on behavior in the workplace and reporting of sexual harassment.
Help Support Your Workplace
For younger employees who may be relying on the approval of superiors in order to progress in their careers, or those in minority groups, they may feel powerless and afraid to speak out. We have heard that young women in particular feel that speaking out might make things worse, so it is important that they are supported by their employers and confidently informed should they need to make a complaint in the future.
How EasyLlama can help
We have created training modules that your employees will actually enjoy.
We Have Your Back
Our training is fully compliant and created by HR experts. We make courses that exceed state and federal requirements so you can rest at ease.
Designed For A Mobile Workforce
We understand that people are busy. Our lessons can be completed on your own schedule and on any device, including smartphones and tablets.
Real-Time Tracking & Reporting
We make tracking progress and course completion easy, as well as certifying employees across all functions and locations.
Get Started In Just 5 minutes
See how EasyLlama can support your organizational goals and help build a safe and inclusive company culture
