A successful workplace is one where all the employees are treated fairly, and the protocols of professionalism are followed. But the truth that sexual harassment still exists in the workplace is not hidden from all of us and every day some or other employee becomes a victim of it. Such kind of hideous acts not only hampers the professional ability of the victim, but some scars are etched so deep mentally and emotionally that can never be settled. That is why, being an employee, you must always be aware of your workplace rights and act against any kind of discrimination that takes place in the workplace. The first thing that you should be doing is talking to a sexual harassment lawyer New Jersey who can suggest you some ways of dealing with this situation.

When we hear of sexual harassment, we get that horrendous picture in our minds. But now that the world has changed and so are the forms of sexual harassment, it can happen to you, and you would not even know that you became a victim of sexual harassment. Those are the subtle forms of harassment that can happen just over a text or an email.

But what exactly is sexual harassment? Well, this is a question of every employee that needs to be answered most thoroughly.

Firstly, you must know that any type of sexual harassment is prohibited and illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and is of two types:

• Quid Pro Quo: This is a type of sexual harassment when the harasser demands any sexual favors in return for something related to your job. For instance, “if you go on a date with me, I will give you an increment”. You need to watch out for such incidents.

• Hostile Work Environment: When the harasser creates an uncomfortable and abusive environment in the workplace by making any unwelcome physical or verbal gestures. The environment becomes such that the employees start to feel unproductive and fearful.

Now that you have got a hang of what sexual harassment is and how it can happen, the question arises here what to do if you have been harassed sexually at work?

Steps to take if you become a victim of sexual harassment

#1 Say no and make it clear

When it comes to the subtle forms of sexual harassment, you must always take the clue that something is wrong and make it clear to the harasser that whatever is happening is completely unwelcome from your side. Try to communicate most appropriately to ensure that the matter is not slipping out of your hands. And even after that, if the harasser continues with his actions, it will be a wise move to take it to the human resources department.

#2 Keep a record

Sexual harassment is a serious offense and if you are thinking to take your case to a sexual harassment lawyer New Jersey, you must start to document the incidents that take place with you at the workplace. Any emails, texts, or dates are helpful if you decide to take this case to the court and choose to file a lawsuit. This will help your lawyer to present the case with utmost detailing and filing a complaint with the EEOC would be easy.

#3 Report the incident at work

The majority of us do not know it, but if you are planning to sue your employer for sexual harassment, you need to first report the incident at work. According to the Supreme Court, you need to give a chance to the HR department to make corrections in the situation as there is generally a sexual harassment policy that every workplace has.

#4 Talk to a sexual harassment lawyer New Jersey

If you are filing a complaint with the EECO, then you can do it by yourself. But it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer who can advise you to take the right steps and if it is needed to file a lawsuit against the employer, the lawyer can do that for you and can chalk out the right course of action for your case.

The moral story is that when you are sexually harassed, instead of isolating yourself and struggling, come out of that zone, raise your voice against the wrongdoing and find yourself a way forward because there is a solution to every problem in this world.