Tips on proving sexual harassment in New York
New York City, NY - Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal under both New York and federal laws, but, unfortunately, such practices are very much the norm in many companies - large or small, private or public. This doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Since the law is on your side, better make good use of it. All you have to do is reach out to trustworthy New York sexual harassment lawyers. The only way to end sexual harassment is to report those that engage in such discriminatory behaviors and bring them to justice.
One of the main reasons many sexual harassment victims prefer to remain silent is the fear no one will believe them. What type of proof can you use against your harassers?
Here are some tips that will help you.
Keep a diary
Write down everything that happens at work. You must make a record of each incident - the date, the exact location, who was present, who did what to you, and what they said. Be specific. Even if it makes you uncomfortable, you must write down the details of each incident. Also, write down your reaction. Did you ask your harassers to stop? Did you leave the room? Did they make you cry? Did they have fun seeing you blushing?
Your lawyers will use this diary as the main piece of evidence when you file a formal complaint.
Collect evidence
If your coworkers display sexually-charged images around the office, take pictures. In the digital era, messaging apps provide an excellent way to harass someone. Do your co-workers send you sexually suggestive or downright pornographic materials although you’ve asked them to stop? Did your boss send you a picture of his genitals?
No matter how repulsive you find such messages, save each and every one of them. You shouldn’t save them on your work computer. Someone could access it and delete all the evidence. Save everything to a secure device.
Gather allies
When you start considering a complaint, examine your diary and see who witnessed the harassment incidents. Hopefully, they’re not all in on it. Which of the witnesses do you trust? Talk to them in confidence and see how they feel about what’s going on in the company. If they’re willing to support you, put them in touch with your sexual harassment lawyers.
Some of them may say they fully support you but they don’t want to go public with it, for fear of losing their job. Tell them they need not worry. According to the law, the employer is not allowed to fire someone in retaliation for taking part in an investigation. If they dare to fire one of your allies, they can be sued for that and they will have to pay damages.
Leave the rest to your lawyer
Before you can sue your employer, you must file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New York Division of Human Rights. Either agency will investigate your claim and mediate between you and your employer. Your lawyers can represent you during the negotiations phase. In some cases, the EEOC may file a lawsuit on your behalf or they may issue you a Notice to Sue, allowing you to bring your harassers to justice.
