map Serving Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Marion, South Carolina

Schedule A Consultation 843-488-4321

Conway Criminal Law Blog

Steps to Take If You are Being Sexually Harassed in the Workplace

Sexual harassment is considered any offensive or crude behavior of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment in the workplace is becoming a growing concern, with over 5,500 sexual harassment charges being reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2021. While the numbers have seen a slight decline, the issue is far from resolved.

At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, we help those who have been subject to sexual harassment take legal recourse, allowing you to advocate for yourself and others. If you have recently been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, our Conway personal injury attorney is dedicated to upholding your rights.

Keep Documentation

Keep records of any inappropriate correspondence between yourself and your harasser, as well as any verbal communications or behaviors of a sexual nature. Documentation is key, including information regarding the date/time/location of the incident, details of what occurred, the parties involved, and who may have seen or heard the interaction.

Confront Your Harasser

In the workplace, sexual harassment is not reserved exclusively for superiors but can occur between co-workers. It is important that you tell your harasser that you would like the behavior to stop. Make it clear that it is unwelcome behavior and that it makes you uncomfortable in the workplace.  Of course, make sure you are safe during this confrontation – independent witnesses can serve to help protect you and provide evidence of what you told the harasser.

Speak to Your Supervisor or Human Resources Department

Nobody wants to be at odds with their boss or colleague, but you need to notify your supervisor or Human Resources department regarding the harassment. Many people choose not to report the harassment for fear that their work life will become unbearable. If you do not feel comfortable speaking with your supervisor regarding the issue, then you can file a complaint directly with your HR representative. Provide details about the incident and request to schedule a meeting if your HR representative has any further questions.

Report The Incident to Government Agencies

Before filing a lawsuit, you should report the harassment to the EEOC. This is a federal agency that has the primary responsibility of preventing employment discrimination. Upon filing your complaint, the EEOC will review all associated documentation to determine if there is sufficient evidence of job-related harassment. Be wary of deadlines, in some cases you may have only 180 days to file.

You can also report the harassment to the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. The Commission’s objective is to foster an equal-opportunity work environment, maintaining fair treatment of all employees. An online complaint form is available, which you may complete and remit in person, by mail, e-mail, or fax.

Speak with a Conway Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury lawyer who focuses their practice on workplace harassment can help you decide the best course of action. Litigation is a lengthy and time-intensive process that should only be pursued if that avenue makes sense given your circumstances.

Workplace harassment can make you feel out of control and uncertain of how to better your situation. If you have recently experienced harassment at your job, our Conway personal injury lawyer at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson would like to speak with you. To learn how our firm can be of assistance, contact us online or by phone to schedule your consultation.