How do I deal with harrassment at work and family that tell me to stay?

Question

I am pregnant and just got married - The owner of the company I work for says uses hard drugs(I know for a fact) and says nasty things to me and other men that work here compliment me in sexually explicit ways. Everyone including my family is telling me to stay here and I don't understand why everyone wants me to be sexually harrassed while I'm pregnant and recently married! I just admitted to my husband this morning what was going on and he and his own mother told me to just "tell my supervisor" - which is the owner's daughter and have something done about it. All they care about is the fact that I work and make money - they don't care about the surroundings. I am so unhappy and feel so alone.

The owner is the main one - of course they aren't going to do anything but fire me probably.

Answer 1

Maybe you should try to find another job where that doesn't happen. I know being pregnant, makes that hard. Just ignore those nasty people until you have your baby, and then if you go back to work, find another job. It is sad your husband and family feel that way.

Answer 2

I am guessing that you are looking for other jobs B/c that is much easier than filing a sexual harrassment suit.
If not looking for other jobs start now- hiring managers are not allowed to ask you if you are pregnant and not allowed to disciminate hiring you if you are.

However since they might, even inadvertantly- start with saying things in a non confrontational way about how what they are saying is not acceptable to you (example:" Jim, that is really a rude comment- would you want someone to say that to your mother/sister/daughter?" Laugh to take some of the sting from it then state "then dont say it to me". Some of these men will get the point and cease.

If they dont- then you are obligated to approach the supervisor, even if it is the owners daughter. Its hard but she is obligated by law to investigate and make your working environment safe and healthy.

If this doesnt work- or you feel reprocussions from this- then you have a legitamate case to bring to your lawyer. If you dont have a lawyer call one that deals with this- Most consultations are free-
If you think it may come down to this- start documenting times and dates of every infraction and by whom. Document your discussion with the supervisor as well- as she if in court will have to document her work and how she "fixed" the problem.

Dont be too hard on your mother-in-law and husband...I think they are probably just aware of how hard it would be for you to find another job being pregnant and figure by going to a supervisor (and the laws that they are required to follow) may fix the problem. Most likely after you do this and if nothing happens they will be singing a different tune.

Answer 3

Go over all their heads and call the EEOC in your area. Tell them you are being sexually harrassed and your supervisor is one of the perpetrators' daughters.

Or, send in an anonymous tip that the owner uses hard drugs on work premises (if he does...) and hopefully he'll go to jail.

Answer 4

You determine how others treat you, whether it's your boss or your husband and mother-in-law. You don't have to be a victim, unless that's what you choose to be. The behaviors you're experiencing at work are against the law; they exist to protect women such as yourself. Take action: complain to your supervisor and, if that doesn't create the changes you want, then complain to your local authorities. You have rights, but only you can effectively stand up for yourself. You'll also be standing up for your child, since your health - and the baby's - is affected by your surroundings.

Your actions determine your consequences; if you don't like the consequences, change your actions. It really IS that simple.

Go for it!

Answer 5

First......find another job. Don't delay, as this is seeming to continue. While you're still working there, tape record some of the incidents for documentation purposes, otherwise it's "he said/ she said". After you start the new job, get an attorney and sue the previous (your current) employer.

Answer 6

Find a new job in the future-walk out on your job if you have to, if they're sexually harrassing you & your boss don't care, that's a felony, turn them in.