What To Do If You’re A Victim Of Harassment

Our attorneys can walk you through the process

Many people aren’t sure what to when they experience harassment or discrimination at the workplace. They are concerned about what might happen if they report the behavior and even wonder if it will do any good. If you are experiencing harassment at work, you do not have to tolerate it. There are steps you can take to protect your rights.

The attorneys at Gibson Law, LLC used to represent employers in cases involving harassment. We know what it takes to build a strong case that employers have to take seriously. Now, we put our experienced and legal knowledge to work for employees who have been subjected to harassment at the workplace and want it to stop.

Report the harassment.

Follow your employer’s procedure for reporting workplace harassment (this procedure may be described in the policy manual). Your employer has a legal responsibility to take your report seriously and to take steps to protect you from further harassment. Let your employer know what has been happening. Make it clear that you find the behavior offensive and unwelcome and that you want it to stop. Ask your employer to document and investigate the harassment.

Gather evidence.

Keep a journal that includes the date, time and location of each incident, who was involved, who was there and what happened. Include the date you reported the harassment and to whom. Hold on to any offensive notes, emails, voicemails or text messages. Ask for a copy of your records, including pay history and copies of performance reviews.

Consider filing a complaint.

You may feel your employer is not taking your report seriously, or the harassment is continuing. Consider filing a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). They can investigate to determine if your employer violated any laws. You can also meet with either agency confidentially to discuss your options.

Talk to an attorney.

An experienced harassment attorney can explain your rights, review the details of your situation and go over your legal options. Whether you are experiencing sexual harassment or a hostile work environment, a lawyer can fight for your rights and take action on your behalf.

If you are experiencing workplace harassment, we encourage you to get trusted legal advice as soon as possible. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed, and the memories of witnesses can fade. We can investigate the harassment and take steps to hold your employer accountable for what happened.

Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team at our Cincinnati or Dayton office.