Posted by pegasus on July 28, 2006, at 9:09:35 [reposted on July 29, 2006, at 1:08:28 | original URL]
In reply to inappropriate behavior? *triggers*, posted by Karolina on July 27, 2006, at 23:03:28
Hi Karolina,
This is definitely sexual harrassment, and it is all about him deciding to behave this way, not about anything that you are doing. Some things that are often recommended to people who are in this situation:
- Start keeping a journal of everything he says and does that makes you uncomfortable. Write down the dates and times, and what he said and did.
- Tell your human resources department at work. They will want to know about this, because the company can be sued and they will be very concerned about their liability (if they're smart).
- Tell someone else, like a friend or coworker. It might be helpful to give them a copy of your journal. If you tell someone else about it, then when it comes down to disciplining him (or taking legal action should it go that far), you'll have more evidence to back you up. The key is to tell this person when it happens, not a while afterwards. That is evidence that the situation was making you uncomfortable at the time.
- Tell your boss that some of the things he says make you uncomfortable and you'd like him to stop making personal comments to you. When he touches you, tell him that you don't like to be touched. This one is hard, and I know it can make you afraid for what he might do in resonse (since he is your boss). But that's the whole point of why sexual harrassment is wrong and illegal.I wish you a lot of luck with this situation, and I'm really glad you posted here. If you can't do the things that are recommended, I understand that it's hard. Don't feel bad about that. I just hope you can do enough to help you feel more comfortable and safe at work.
peg
poster:pegasus
thread:671681
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/work/20060706/msgs/671687.html