Lesson 4: What to do if you are Sexually Harassed 3m

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU ARE HARASSED?

There is no one way to respond to harassment. Every situation is different and only you can evaluate the problem and decide on the best response.

Friends, affirmative action officers, human resource professionals and women’s groups can offer information, advice and support, but only you can decide what is right for you. The only thing you can be absolutely certain of is that ignoring the situation will not cause it to go away. Above all, DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF FOR THE HARASSMENT. It is not your fault. Place the blame where it belongs–on the harasser. Self-blame can cause depression and will not help you or the situation.

What should I do if I experience a sexual assault, sexual violence, or other criminal acts?

If you experience sexual harassment that rises to the level of violence or assault, you should immediately contact law enforcement. Please see the California Attorney General’s webpage on Sexual Violence at https://oag.ca.gov/workplace-sexual-harassment for more information about sexual violence and available resources for victims of such violence.

SUGGESTED SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM

Date:_________________________________________________________

Name of Complaint:_____________________________________________

Title:_________________________________________________________

Department:___________________________________________________

Name of harasser:_______________________________________________

Details of the Complaint

1. Where and when did the incident take place? What situation or environmental factor caused or is causing the complaint?

2. What did the harasser say or do?

3. How did the complainant respond?

4. Were there any witnesses?

5. Is this the first incident or have there been others?