According to online newspaper source Politico, Cynthia Moreno, former communications aide to California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, has filed a complaint stating she was fired in retaliation for exposing such actions as sexual harassment and ethical misconduct, including those of Rivas’s brother, Rick Rivas. According to the Assembly and Rivas’s office, Moreno’s termination was based on proven findings of her own wrongful actions, and they assert that her claims are unfounded and should not be rewarded.
The above example can be an example of workplace sexual harassment and how it produces a toxic atmosphere for everyone. Knowing the signs and your rights is an important matter. The way in which a person chooses to respond can equally make all the difference when confronted with inappropriate behavior.
For more information on your legal rights and options, you can visit this website: https://www.sexualharassmentlawfirmcalifornia.com/.
At times, one may not know what to do. But having a plan is of utmost importance. Let’s go over some techniques for handling this situation that can actually encourage you and your coworkers.
Understanding Your Rights
When it is about harassment, an employee ought to know their rights. You have the right to work under conditions that are free of harassment and are conducive to respect. Learn to go through your company’s policy about harassment, which should state what type of behavior is unacceptable and the reporting procedures.
Do not forget that there are many organizations with associations that include a department for HR or an employee-assistance program. Should you be harassed, it is very important to document every incident and keep all evidence that can be collected for the sake of accumulating valuable information for defending a case against the harasser.
Recognize that you have every right to protect your reputation and that you must protect yourself.
Recognizing Signs of Sexual Harassment
How can you be sure that somebody may be crossing the line in respect of sexual harassment? Derogatory comments or jokes that make you feel uncomfortable must be addressed as promptly as possible, especially when this concerns your personal appearance and style of life. These could be anything from unwarranted bodily contact to invasive hugs to caressing in somewhat indecent ways, among many.
If a colleague continues to stalk you after your direct rejection, then you should start worrying. Behaviors that create a hostile work environment or make you feel threatened or uncomfortable are to be flagged and looked into with extra caution. Respect and admiration should be afforded to every employee. By watching out for these signs, you will be able to keep your eyes on the task and continue to work in an efficient manner.
Documenting Incidents and Evidence
Documenting incidents and evidence is the first stage of effectively dealing with sexual harassment. If you undergo or witness the victimization, immediately take notes. Include important details, such as the dates, times, and places of the arising events, and what exactly occurred. Write down the words of harassment along with any names of witnesses.
The evidence could be valuable in demonstrating the available behavior options. In case of inappropriate messages, keep them since they will be able to be used as evidence. Sometimes journaling how you feel about experiences can help. The profiling supports you and creates a safe working environment. You deserve to feel safe and valued, and documenting in detail supports your voice being heard.
Reporting the Behavior
After you have all the necessary documents with you, you can then report the conduct to the correct authorities. This usually means either your supervisor, HR, or a representative designated for incidents of this nature. State succinctly what happened and present your evidence and witness accounts.
Most companies have policies designed to protect you during this process. Should you feel uncomfortable reporting it in person, you may want to write it down. Then follow up to make sure the complaint was really worked through. Trust that your report makes a difference. Letting authorities know what happened is the very first step toward creating a safe environment for everyone.
According to sexual harassment lawyer Gary Andrew Costales, employers are responsible for stopping sexual harassment and setting up clear rules to prevent it from happening again. Your working environment should be free from any harm.
Supporting Colleagues and Bystander Intervention
Go and speak to the affected individual. Listen and let the victim know that you support him or her. Confront this behavior as long as you feel safe. There are some situations where it would be beneficial to say that such conduct is unacceptable. You might require assistance from others to bring the issues to light.
Report the incident to HR or to your manager if you notice that the victim chose not to do anything. Your intervention would make working conditions safe for anyone else. Acting on the problem nurtures a culture of respect and support.