First Steps to Take After Being Sexually Harassed at Work in Orange County

If you or someone you know is experiencing mistreatment in the workplace, it is important that you know the first steps to take after being sexually harassed at work in Orange County.

What First Steps Should I Take After Being Sexually Harassed at Work in Orange County?

Experiencing sexual harassment can be jarring, humiliating, and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are tools at your disposal to combat the unjust mistreatment you were subjected to. Here are a few important steps you should take if you are being sexually harassed at your place of employment:

Get to Safety

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, it is of the utmost importance that you get to safety and contact law enforcement. If you are in danger or have been harmed, call 911 immediately. Your safety comes first.

File a Complaint

If you do not feel that you are in immediate danger, your first step should to file a complaint with your boss or your human resources (HR) department. Documentation is a powerful asset in sexual harassment cases, so it is good to build as large a paper trail as you possibly can. If you are being sexually harassed by your boss or a member of HR, be sure to file the complaint with someone who is not the accused.

According to one study, one out of every seven women and one out of every seventeen men end up leaving their jobs due to sexual harassment. In 2021, a survey showed that 78.2% of all workplace sexual harassment claims are filed by women.

If you are unsure what to do, you can contact a lawyer or the County of Orange Equal Employment Opportunity Access Office for guidance and advice.

Gather Evidence

There is a wide variety of evidence that can be used to build a case against a coworker or employer who has been sexually harassing you. It is of the utmost importance that you collect all evidence, including texts, emails, videos, photos, and recorded phone calls where sexual harassment is apparent.

You will also want to keep a record of past sexual harassment encounters, witness testimonials, and copies of any related documentation, including every complaint you file.

Hire an Orange County Sexual Harassment Lawyer

When you enlist the assistance of a sexual harassment lawyer, you are equipping yourself and improving your odds of winning your workplace sexual harassment case. Your lawyer can answer your questions, assuage your doubts, and serve as a skilled and knowledgeable advocate on your behalf.

Schedule Your Meeting

While not all sexual harassment claims go to court, some do. One potential local courthouse where your case may be carried out is the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (State Court), which is dedicated to handling sexual harassment claims. Still, you may end up settling your case outside of the California courts.

Contact a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

You deserve to feel safe everywhere you go, including your place of employment. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP, can help you get justice and get results.

Not only can your lawyer come alongside and support you, but they can also help you prepare your case and present it on your behalf. Instead of shouldering this burden alone, contact us today to schedule a consultation.