What to Do When You've Experienced Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that can have profound effects on both your emotional well-being and your professional life. If you've found yourself in this situation, it's important to know that you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and seek justice. This guide will walk you through what to do when you've experienced sexual harassment.
Understand What Sexual Harassment Is
Before we dive into the steps to take, it's crucial to understand what sexual harassment is. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, or submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual.
Safety First: Ensure Your Physical and Emotional Well-being
Your safety is the top priority. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you're not in immediate danger but feel threatened, try to remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a sexual assault hotline for emotional support.
- RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741
Document the Incident
Write down everything you can remember about the incident as soon as possible. Include details like what was said or done, when and where it happened, who was involved, and any witnesses. Keep a record of any communication related to the incident, such as emails, texts, or voicemails.
Create a Timeline of Events
Creating a timeline can help you remember details and provide a clear picture of the events. Include the date, time, location, what happened, and who was involved in each entry.
Report the Incident
Reporting the incident can help prevent it from happening again and hold the harasser accountable. Here are some places you might consider reporting:
| Where to Report | Who It's For |
|---|---|
| Your employer's HR department | If the harassment occurred at work |
| Your school's Title IX coordinator | If the harassment occurred at school |
| Local law enforcement | If the harassment is a crime |
| EEOC | If the harassment is based on your sex and occurred at work |
Before you report, consider consulting with a legal professional or an advocate from a sexual assault service provider. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and local laws.
Seek Support
Dealing with sexual harassment can be emotionally taxing. Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals for support. This can include therapists, counselors, or support groups. Many communities have resources specifically for survivors of sexual harassment and assault.
Remember, you are not alone, and what happened was not your fault. You have the right to feel safe and respected in your workplace, school, and community. By taking these steps, you're not only helping yourself but also potentially preventing others from experiencing the same harm.
