Being Sexually Harassed at Work! Please Help!!!

[pbear19]

Originally Posted by Gucci Model

Sorry to double-post but I forgot to add that he's now starting to plan "retreats" for us (like just the 2 of us) for 4 different conferences, conventions, and visits to other branches during the summer. I really don't want to go because I'm afraid it might go from harassment to assault or something. I don't know how to get out of going. I don't know why he's asking me to go either since I'm in a very entry-level position.

And thanks for the good ideas 33girl!

My advice would be to document everything, and send it in writing to your HR guys. Sometimes even when you think you've been perfectly clear, people don't get the message. Make absolutely certain that they understand the severity of the situation. If they refuse to take action at that point, or if in any way action is taken that would be negative towards you, at least you will have a written record of the communication and you can use that going forward, should you decide to take any additional action.

Email is fine, it doesn't have to be snail mail. But do get it in writing. If you have a phone conversation with HR, send them an email immediately following the convo, saying that you want to confirm the conversation. Then write up a summary of what was said on the phone and send it in.

Sometimes, as wrong as it is, people need to realize that you are serious about your discomfort before they will do anything about it.

Edit to add - I am so sorry you are going through this!!!! I hope that it works out in the end, and that you know that none of this is in any way your fault!!!

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by pbear19

My advice would be to document everything, and send it in writing to your HR guys.

Absolutely. Document everything. Start a file (or two - an electronic file and a hard copy file) and update it as frequently as necessary. Save all inappropriate texts and emails, document all inappropriate verbal/physical exchanges (record the date, time, location, witnesses - everything).

Once you've compiled this information, I would immediately send it (actually, send a copy of it and keep the originals) to HR. Continue to update your file(s) while HR is reviewing the documents. If, after ample time, HR refuses to take action, I would look into legal options. In fact, I might start researching legal representatives right now (just to find out what your options are, not necessarily to contact them... yet).

Good luck handling this crappy position someone else has put you in. I really hope it all turns out well for you.

[texas*princess]

Originally Posted by pbear19

My advice would be to document everything, and send it in writing to your HR guys. Sometimes even when you think you've been perfectly clear, people don't get the message. Make absolutely certain that they understand the severity of the situation. If they refuse to take action at that point, or if in any way action is taken that would be negative towards you, at least you will have a written record of the communication and you can use that going forward, should you decide to take any additional action.

Email is fine, it doesn't have to be snail mail. But do get it in writing. If you have a phone conversation with HR, send them an email immediately following the convo, saying that you want to confirm the conversation. Then write up a summary of what was said on the phone and send it in.

Sometimes, as wrong as it is, people need to realize that you are serious about your discomfort before they will do anything about it.

Edit to add - I am so sorry you are going through this!!!! I hope that it works out in the end, and that you know that none of this is in any way your fault!!!

Agreed 100%.. your boss is not demonstrating acceptable behavior at all.

[texas*princess]

You can usually print out your phone logs online (to show his incoming calls).

I can at least, and I deal w/ Sprint. If you get your bill in the mail, the log may be on the back of the bill.

If you can't print it out online, or to get text messages you have deleted, I think your phone company can help you with this but you have to call them.