If you recently experienced sexual harassment at work, you may be having doubts about reporting it. One of the things that may weigh on your mind is that you’re not aware of any previous wrongdoing by your harasser. This might leave you wondering whether you just misinterpreted things, or whether your report will be believed. That’s especially true if the person has been with the company a long time and is well-liked.
It’s important to remember, however, that your harasser may very well have previous complaints against them. You have no way of knowing for certain whether they’ve been reported before, either to your employer or to one of their previous employers. Their behavior could even be escalating.
Most incidents go unreported
Evidence suggests that workplace sexual harassment is hugely underreported. Others who were once in a similar position to the one you are in now may have decided not to go ahead for the very same reasons you are considering not reporting the harassment.
Alternatively, they may have seen evidence (or at least heard stories) of how difficult their life could become if they did report it based on what happened to others. Retaliation from employers or being shunned by colleagues does occur.
The final choice is yours alone to make
You are under no obligation to report workplace sexual harassment, but you should not be afraid to do so either. The law is on your side. Sexual harassment is illegal under both state and federal law, as is any form of retaliation by your employer over it.
The more that people speak out when harassment occurs, the better the chances are of a societal shift that is needed to help everyone understand that such behavior will not be tolerated. Reporting it also reduces the chances that your harasser will harass you again.
You may also be entitled to some form of compensation. Experienced legal guidance can help you move forward with more confidence and better protection.