Finding a job can take a lot of time and effort. Once you finally get the callback, you are so excited that you take the first offer. Then you enter the workspace and you start to meet other superiors and co-workers. At first, you start to get along with everyone. At first, everything seems like it is going to work out just fine and then you start to get comments. These comments are subtle. The requests are subtle. You start receiving emails with suggestive language or pictures. At times you feel as if you are crazy. Is this really happening? As a reader, have your figure it out? I bet you have: Sexual harassment.
Title VII is a federal law that ensures that discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, and/or religion does not happen in the workplace. Even if you work for a small business, this rule applies. It also protects employees from the retaliation of their employer because their employee complained about the discrimination, filed a charge, or participated in an employment discrimination lawsuit or investigation. This rule is applied to all levels of court: federal, state, local governments, and employment agencies and labor organizations.
Those who have been subjected to sexual harassment often feel as if they can’t say anything about it. Victims often feel pressured to stay silent because they don’t want to lose their job, they don’t want to cause a scene, or they don’t think it is that bad. You are not alone. The most impactful message about the #MeToo movement is that women and men are very aware that this behavior still happens and it is not right. If you feel crazy it’s probably because your subconscious is telling you that something is right. Here are signs of sexual harassment:
However, experts have suggested also following your gut or your “ ‘uh-oh’ feeling ”. It is that feeling you get when you know that the person who is making you feel uncomfortable wants you to feel that way. They enjoy the power they have over you in making you feel that way. No one should ever make you feel that way, but more specifically, it should NEVER happen in the workplace.
Sexual harassment attorneys at The Kaufman Law Firm in Thousand Oaks are ready to hear your story with empathy. We understand that courage and challenge it is to speak about such issues you are experiencing. The first step is to start documenting everything. The second step is to call us 310-981-3404 or click here. We are ready to help you get your safety back.