Sexual harassment is never acceptable, and if you have been the victim of sexual harassment at work, it is important to know what steps you can take to protect yourself and seek help. Here are some tips for what to do if you have been sexually harassed at work.

Document the incident

If you are comfortable doing so, try to document the incident as soon as possible after it occurs. Write down the details of what happened, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses. If there is physical evidence, such as emails, text messages or physical injuries, save or describe them. This documentation will be important if you decide to report the incident or take legal action.

Tell someone you trust

It can be difficult to speak up about sexual harassment, but it is important to tell someone you trust about what happened. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone at work, you can also consider speaking with a therapist or a trusted member of your community.

Report the incident

If you feel safe doing so, consider reporting the incident to your employer or to your manager/supervisor. Your employer is required by law to take steps to prevent and address sexual harassment, and they can help you get the support you need. You can also file a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) if you feel that your employer has not taken appropriate action.

Get support

It is important to take care of yourself after experiencing sexual harassment. This may include seeking support from friends and family, seeking therapy, or finding a support group. There are also resources available, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1800RESPECT: https://www.1800respect.org.au/) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 737 732: https://www.thehotline.org/), that can provide confidential support and assistance.

Conclusion

It is never easy to deal with sexual harassment, but by taking these steps and seeking support, you can take control of the situation and get the help you need. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you.

Sentient provides a suite of automated workplace compliance management, learning management, and human resource management solutions that make workplace compliance and the fight against sexual harassment easier. Contact Sentrient today to let us help you increase employee awareness to prevent sexual harassment.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Course