Finance and Law

5 Steps To Take If You’ve Been Sexually Harassed

Unfortunately, women are victims to sexual harassment inside the workplace more times than most people would like to imagine. An unbelievable 35% of women will experience some form of sexual harassment during their careers.

What is Sexual Harassment?


It can sometimes difficult to determine what is classed as harassment, and what is just an uncomfortable or intimidating situation for you.

Sexual harassment encompasses any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can include the following.

  • Unwanted conversations about sex
  • Being followed around
  • Sexist comments
  • Vulgar language
  • Unwanted touching or direct contact
  • Sexual threats
  • Sexual assault or rape

Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Harassed


If you are a victim of sexual harassment whilst at work, there are a number of steps you should take.

Show That It’s Unwelcome

If somebody is making you feel uncomfortable, make sure you let them know. Make it very obvious that their comments or actions are unwelcome. If their behaviour continues after you have clearly stated your feelings, you may have to escalate the issue to management or bring in legal help.

Speak to Management

When another employee, a client, or a customer is making you feel uncomfortable through sexually orientated comments or behaviours, try speaking to your manager.

Explain what has happened and how you feel. Management will then be able to speak to the perpetrator and take any necessary action.

Under the Equality Act, your employer is liable for their employee’s behaviour both inside and outside of the workplace, and they are and they are responsible for stopping harassment. Employers should have an anti-harassment policy that is followed if and when an employee makes a complaint. If they fail to take necessary action, they could get in legal trouble.

Document Everything

It’s always a good idea to document everything that has happened to you, as well as every complaint you’ve made and every conversation you have had with management about the situation. This makes it easier to put together a timeline of events. If you choose to contact a lawyer or the police, having everything well recorded will help you build a strong case against the perpetrator.

Find a Lawyer

If speaking to management has been futile, you may need to bring in legal help. Find a sexual harassment lawyer who will be able to work closely with you to file a claim. You may be entitled to compensation for the experiences you have had.

Claim in the Employment Tribunal

If you feel that you need to escalate the complaint further, you can take it up in the Employment Tribunal. All Tribunal claims need to be filed within three months of the last act of harassment, another reason why documenting everything is key. The Tribunal will assess each case individually and come to a conclusion. If your claim is successful, you may get compensation.

Hardik Patel

Hardik Patel is a Digital Marketing Consultant and professional Blogger. He has 12+ years experience in SEO, SMO, SEM, Online reputation management, Affiliated Marketing and Content Marketing.

Share
Published by
Hardik Patel

Recent Posts

The Easiest Way to Pick Out (The Right) Auto Parts

When you’re shopping for auto parts, what matters most are their quality, fit, performance and…

1 week ago

The Thrill of WWE SmackDown Episode 1488: A Fan’s Unforgettable Journey

Mark had always been a die-hard WWE fan. Growing up, he watched the likes of…

2 weeks ago

The Flowers Secrets That You May Not Know

For centuries, flowers have been a source of inspiration, enchanting everyone with its beauty. Like…

2 weeks ago

How to Make Creamy Pea Risotto: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable and creamy dish? Look…

3 weeks ago

6 Cool Apps to Improve Your Work-Life Balance Effortlessly

If someone had told us we would be as dependable on mobile apps as we…

4 weeks ago

20+ Best Free Android Apps for your overall Health

We end up compromising on our health more often than we realize. But we do…

4 weeks ago