Retaliation After Reporting Sexual Harassment
Sometimes there are power structures in place at a business that seek to stifle whistleblowers and shield perpetrators of sexual harassment from repercussions. This is particularly true of employees in major positions of power, or who have been at a company for many years. In this current era bolstered by #MeToo, Time’s Up, and other movements dedicated to fighting sexism, you should feel empowered to report unwanted advances and sexual harassment.
The Daytona Beach, FL workplace discrimination attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you if you have been the victim of sexual harassment or retaliation from your employer because you reported harassment. Let’s consider these legal matters in more detail below.
Defining Workplace Retaliation
In the context of reporting sexual harassment, workplace retaliation refers to any actions against an employee for properly reporting instances of unwanted sexual advances or behavior at a workplace. The acts of retaliation are various ways of punishing an employee for speaking out, with some acts of retaliation more obvious than others.
Forms of Workplace Retaliation
Retaliation from employers can take a number of different forms. Some forms of retaliation may include:
- Demotion from current position
- Lower performance evaluations
- Cut in pay
- Refusal to give a raise/promotion
- Transferring the employee
- Giving the employee additional work
Sometimes employers will make overt threats to employees about reporting sexual harassment. This could also involve varying degrees of verbal abuse.
Not All Workplace Retaliation Is Obvious
There are other kinds of retaliation that may be comparatively subtle, and rooted in more personal attacks rather than professional ones. Sometimes an employer will start spreading rumors about you to your fellow employees. There could be increased scrutiny at work regarding any actions performed or activities you engage in.
If you feel that your employer is making the work environment hostile or inhospitable in any form, this could be a sign of workplace retaliation. Thankfully, you can fight back.
What to Do If You Face Workplace Retaliation
It’s important to file a workplace discrimination charge against your employer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This will give you an opportunity to discuss your issues with a member of the EEOC and determine if you can proceed with a change of discrimination over workplace retaliation. You can also contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations for information.
Keep in mind that you should file these complaints within 180 days of the incident. This allows time for processing and investigation. The sooner that you file your formal charge, the better.
How an Employment Law Attorney Can Help
An employment lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and protections if you have face workplace discrimination and retaliation from your employer. It’s important that you get in touch with the EEOC or Florida Commission on Human Relations first so a government agency can look into your matter.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
To learn more about your legal rights and options after facing retaliation at your workplace, be sure to contact an experienced employment law attorney. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are here to help. You can reach our Daytona Beach law office by phone at (866) 610-0653, and our Palm Coast law office at (386) 439-7760.