What can I do about sexual harassment at work by the owner of my company? HELP!!!!!?

Question

This problem is putting so much stress on me! He has made it impossible to work. I have called in sick more in the last six months than I have my whole life!!!!!! I make good money and can't afford to leave.

Answer 1

Find a new job and file a complaint with the authorities .

WHY are you still there ?
Staying for $$$ when there ARE jobs elsewhere says Not good things . . .

Staying in an abusive environment when you are free to leave is not wise . . .

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Answer 2

Ok, you have several options but I would choose a little of everything, to your own taste.

1. Take a deep breath. Stress does incredible amounts of damage to your internal organs.

2. Document everything you possibly can. If you have e-mails, print them and take them home. Keep a journal of everything he says and does. If someone sees or hears it, get their name and home phone number as a witness. Bring a small voice recorder with you and keep it in a pocket. Every time he comes around turn it on. Think about it like building a case, because you are. The more documentation and proof you have the better.

3. Start looking for another job, seriously. Not only will this get you out of your current situation but it will help you feel empowered. There is nothing as harmful as the fear of being stuck in a situation. Take immediate steps to get out of that situation.

4. Once you have enough documentation or a month or two of journal notes, bring this to Human Resources or the company's lawyer. Let them know that it is unacceptable behanvior, it is sexual harrassment and that you will hire a lawyer if necessary. If there is no one like this in the office you will have to confront the owner. It isn't pleasant, but I would bring someone with you...someone to be a witness as well as insurance that he won't do anything while you are there to talk to him. Let him know that you feel that what he is doing is sexual harrassment, be specific, give examples. Let him know in no uncertain terms that you have physical proof of this as well as witnesses who will testify in court if necessary. Let him know that if his behavior does not change you will hire a lawyer and take him to court. Let him know that you are very familiar with the harrassment laws and have no desire to leave, but he has no right to treat you this way.

5. Remember that the law is on your side no matter what. If you file a harrassment case against him (I recommend, once you have some proof to provide) he can't fire you without it being retaliation which is against the law as well. Then he'll be solidifying the case against himself.

6. Stop calling in sick. Think of this like war. Once you start documenting everything, being proactive about this situation, it will get easier and your feeling of victimization will begin to feel like empowerment. Just remember, they can fire you for missing too much work. Don't give them the chance. Go to work, keep notes, be strong, don't let him ruin your life because he's a jerk. Just think of everything he does that is inappropriate as one more nail in his coffin. Don't let him make you a victim. You are worth more than that.

Take a look at a few of these sites:

http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-sex.html
http://www.sexualharassmentsupport.org/
http://www.employer-employee.com/sexhar1.htm

Answer 3

If he's that high up on the ladder, you need to document every incident of sexual harassment in detail...dates, times, what was said, exactly what he did, what you said to him to discourage him, and get signatures of any witnesses as well. Make sure you have a copy of the employee handbook and make an extra copy of the sexual harassment policy, if one exists (if it doesn't, he may be violating another law).

Then you call the Department of Labor and explain your situation, and they will find someone to represent you. He will be served and probably charged, and legally he cannot fire you for bringing such a lawsuit (if he does, he will have to give you restitution for that as well).

Answer 4

You can do what is mentioned above about documenting everything plus bring a lawyer with you and threaten that you would sue him for compensation,

at the very least he would be willing to settle outside the court in order not to get scandelized, if not any court will order (in the very least) that you continue to get your salary until you find another job with equal pay,
This is based on that according to the law, he is making it impossible for you to work for him because of something he did, and so he would be responsible for compensating you for any financial loss you suffer because of not working.

But just make sure to avoid confrontations so he wouldn't go crazy and try to kill you or something. but make sure to docment everything (for example carry a voice recorder and record what he says for you, and give the tape to the lawyer and so on)

Answer 5

It depends on the size of the company. Is there a Human Resources Dept. or Corporate Compliance? Also as stated before you will need to document everything. Contact your state's EEOC for specific requirements.

Answer 6

Dear,

Report to the Police immediately. At the same time report to the Ministry of Labour/Labour Bureau. Forget about your work. They know best to overcome.

That's your right.

Answer 7

This is what you do……………. You don’t beat around the bush you tell your boss that what he is doing is making you uncomfortable. Tell him ie, you know that he is rubbing up against you and its affecting your job; and what he is doing is illegal. You tell him in writing first and then tell him in person. The reason you tell him in writing (e-mail and or letter) is because if he tries to fire you, you can take him to court.

Answer 8

You cannot afford NOT to leave.
File a complaint against this jerk. Start getting your witnesses line up.

Answer 9

Get a lawyer honey! I would start looking for another job too - no job is worth going through this!

Answer 10

Labor relations board; EEOC online