When you join a new place of work in New Jersey, you expect the environment to be safe and free of intimidation. Unfortunately, we live in an extremely unfair world where discrimination and harassment cases are reported often. While any form of discrimination is unlawful, sexual harassment is probably the worst. Besides impacting your ability to be productive and continue your job, such incidents can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. If you were sexually harassed at work, you need to meet an employment law attorney at the earliest. Top firms like the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi can offer a confidential consultation session to discuss the case further. Here’s what you need to know.
Sexual harassment cases are complex
Not all cases of sexual harassment involve physical touch. In fact, you can still take action as a victim if there is no physical touch at all. For example, if a colleague has been asking you out on dates despite your refusal, there might be a case you can pursue. The same is true for cases where someone makes comments about your personal life, and physical appearance, and jokes that are lewd. If you were being subjected to obscene and unusual messages, texts, stories, or jokes, you shouldn’t take that lightly either. Contrary to popular belief, both men and women suffer sexual harassment at work in NJ, although women are common victims. In many situations, proving certain details, especially if there was no physical touch, can be a challenge.
Decoding types of sexual harassment
Typically, sexual harassment cases are categorized in two segments. The first one is a hostile work environment, which constitutes all the examples we just mentioned. That essentially means you were subjected to an atmosphere where you were unable to work because the comments, jokes, remarks, mockery, or bullying never stopped, making it hard for you to continue your work. The second is called a “quid pro quo” sexual harassment. Such cases involve people who are usually in power or have authority. For instance, if your boss is demanding you go out with them on a weekend in return for a promotion, it is a case of quid pro quo harassment.
What should you do as a victim?
Firstly, don’t give up. Just because the concerned person is a senior or someone who can do “something” doesn’t mean you have to bear with their behavior. Keep records of everything, such as emails, texts, personal messages, and notes. You want to collect as much evidence as possible before taking the next step. The next thing is to report the matter to the concerned authorities. Your employer will have a procedure for reporting sexual harassment, and you should adhere to the employee handbook. Ensure the complaint is in sync with norms and submitted in writing to HR or your supervisor. The company will then launch an investigation into the matter.
Why meet a sexual harassment lawyer in NJ?
More often than not, employers don’t take the expected action to ensure justice for victims. In more complicated situations, an employer may even retaliate against the complainant and fire them from the job. If you filed a complaint and nothing happened, you have to meet a sexual harassment lawyer who understands NJ laws and can guide you through the process. They will represent you at hearings, fight tirelessly to get you a fair compensation, and ensure your rights are protected.
Many sexual harassment lawyers in NJ work on contingency, and even if you are in a financial situation, you can still seek help without concern, upfront money, or fear.
