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Have Any of These Things Ever Happened to You at Work?
Laws Protect You
Sexual harassment violates a law called the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law tells us that:
2) Sexual harassment is illegal if:
What if nobody else saw it happen? The law still protects you.
What if I didn't lose my job? The law still protects you..
What if the harasser is not my boss, but rather a coworker or client? The law still protects you..
What if I sometimes played along and submitted to sexual behavior - but clearly didn't want to? The law still protects you..
What if it happened only once, but it was serious - like unwanted touching of my private body parts? The law still protects you..
What Can You Do if You Are Sexually Harassed?
1) Say "NO" clearly. Tell your harasser to stop. Tell your harasser that you do not want the sexual attention. If it happens again, send a letter telling your harasser to stop, and keep a copy for yourself.
2) Write down what happened. Record the date, time, and place. Include what the person said to you, and if the person touched you. Write down where you were touched and who was there. Keep a copy of these notes at home. They can be useful if you decide to file a charge against your company or to take legal action.
3) Get support from friends, family, and coworkers. Some women feel depressed or get ulcers, headaches, or nausea because of the harassment. Take care of yourself. If you are afraid that you might lose your job, try to find out if other women have the same problem at the company. Join with them to try to work out this problem..
4) Talk to your union representative if you are represented by a union.
5) Talk to your employer. Your employer should have a written policy against sexual harassment and a procedure for making a complaint. Check your employee handbook or talk to the personnel or equal employment opportunity office.
6) Keep a record of your work. Keep copies of performance evaluations and memos that show that you do a good job at work. The harasser may question your job performance in order to defend his behavior.
7) You have a right to file a charge. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal government agency that was created to protect you. You can call them toll-free at 1-800-669-EEOC. Most states and local governments have offices that handle discrimination complaints. They may be listed under "Human Rights" or "Civil Rights" in the government section of your area phone book..
8) Find out more about your legal rights. You do not need a lawyer to file a charge with EEOC. But you may want to talk with a lawyer who specializes in sex discrimination. The state bar association or the women's bar association in your area can refer you to lawyers. They can refer you to lawyers, They can help you figure out what to do. They know the pros and cons of different legal actions, including the time and the cost of filing a lawsuit..
You Can Win
Many women have fought discrimination and have improved their lives. The first step is to know your rights under the law. Laws give you and your coworkers the right to start an employee group or union to try to get better treatment at work..
You can also go to court to get back the money you lost because of discrimination. The new Civil Rights Act of 1991 gives you the right to be paid money for the hurt and the pain that discrimination caused you.
Where to Get Help
Women's Bureau Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) US Department of Labor 1801 L Street, NW Washington DC 20210 Washington DC 20507 1-800-827-5335 1-800-669-EEOC TDD: 1-800-326-2577 TDD: 1-800-800-3302 Regional Offices of the Women's Bureau Region 1: Boston Region 2: New York One Congress Street, 11th floor 201 Varick Street, Room 601 Boston, Ma 02114 New York, NY 10014 Phone (617) 565-1988 Phone (212) 337-2389 Conn., Maine, Mass., New NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Region 3: Philadelphia Region 4: Altanta Room 2450, Gateway Bldg. 3535 Market Street 1371 Peachtree Street, NE Room 323 Philadelphia, Pa 19104 Atlanta, Ga 30367 Phone (215) 596-1183 Phone (404 ) 347-4461 Delaware, DC, Md, Pa., Va., W. Va. Alabama, Fl., Fa., Kn., Ms., NC., SC., Tn Region 5: Chicago Region 6: Dallas Suite 731, Federal Bldg 230 S. Dearborn Street, Room 1022 525 Griffin Street Chicago, Il 60604 Dallas, Texas 75202 Phone (312) 353-6985 Phone (214) 767-6985 Il, Ind., Mich., Minn., Ohio, Wis. Arkansas.,La., NM., Ok., Tx Region 7: Kansas City Region 8: Denver 911 Walnut Street, Room 2511 1801 California Street, Suite 905 Kansas City, Mo 64106 Denver, Co 80202-2614 Phone (816) 426-6108 Phone (303) 391-6755 Iowa, Ks., Missouri, Nb Co., Montana, ND., SD., Utah, Wyoming Region 9: San Francicso Region 10: Seattle 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 927 111 Third Avenue, Room 885 San Francisco, Ca 94105 Seattle, Wa 98101-3211 Phone (415) 744-6679 Phone (206) 553-1534 Az., Ca., Guam. Ha., Nevada Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Wash.The above pamphlet was written by the Woman's Bureau of the US Department of Labor.
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last updated Nov 1998