How to Report Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Nearly 50 percent of US women report they have experienced some type of sexual harassment in the workplace--and harassment is not limited to men offending women. Here's how to proceed if you're a victim of sexual harassment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Copy of your company's sexual harassment policy, if one exists

1. Let your harasser know that his or her behavior is inappropriate and not welcomed.
2. If it continues, tell your supervisor about the sexual harassment and ask to report it officially.
3. Fill out a report. If your supervisor tells you the company doesn't issue any report forms, ask him to explain in a memo how they plan to take to investigate the harassment.
4. Document the harassment yourself so you have a written record.
5. Move to the next level of supervisor or manager if your company policy is failing you and the harassment is not properly investigated.
6. Contact the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (see Resources below) to file a formal complaint.
7. Understand that the harassment is in no way your fault. You, however, will feel the brunt of the psychological burden. Talk with trusted friends to help you cope when you report the harassment, or seek counseling.
8. When you meet with the representative of the EEOC, ask questions so you know what to expect should the issue move on to the legal path. Be prepared to prosecute to assert your rights and protect others from harassment.

Tips & Warnings

• Reporting sexual harassment in the workplace can be tricky. The harasser knows you must continue to work with him (or her) and this can add to the intimidation many victims feel. If you report the harasser through the legal channels provided to you, however, you have a right to be protected from retaliation.
• Some companies are more advanced than others in terms of their awareness of sexual harassment policy. There are state and federal standards, however, so be aware of the basics when you report harassment in your own workplace.
• Retaliation for sexual harassment complaints can create an even more poisonous workplace and even further debilitating psychological trauma for you. It is your legal right to have a workplace free of sexual harassment.