Experiencing sexual harassment at work can be traumatizing and the effects can last a lifetime. Although you may succeed if you assert your rights under the law to be free of sexual harassment at work, you might seriously question if you should return to work after the harassment.
Reasons sexual harassment victims do not speak up
Fear of retaliation, from both an employer and/or the harasser themselves, is a major reason sexual harassment goes unreported.
Those who do report it often experience forms of retaliation, such as demotion, termination or a denied promotion. Victims also often think that no one will believe them or that their employer will not do anything to address the harassment.
Even if your employer takes appropriate steps, those steps might not include terminating the harasser. Your employer’s sexual harassment policy could require offenders to take certain steps such as participate in sexual harassment training, receive counseling or be put on a leave of absence.
In this scenario, although your employer has addressed the harassment, you could find yourself having to go to work and face your harasser again someday. Is this worth it?
Often, being in the same environment with your harasser could cause revictimization, which could cause you to constantly relive your trauma.
Taking time away from work
Taking some time off before deciding if you want to permanently return is a good idea. The time off will allow you to heal and focus on the best next steps.
Your employer should provide you with the support you need during this time. Sexual harassment victims often experience feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment.
Employers should recognize this and give sexual harassment victims the opportunity to work through their emotions and ensure they return to a safe work environment where they feel protected and supported.
Additionally, suppressing these types of emotions you feel as a sexual harassment victim can cause you more harm. Keeping feelings inside may result in feelings of depression, isolation and demotivation.
Talk about your feelings in a safe environment
Consider seeing a counselor or therapist and talking about your feelings in a confidential and safe setting. Having trusted friends or family members you can talk to also helps.
Taking the time to write about your feelings and what you are going through can be incredibly healing. Writing a letter to your harasser and then destroying it is a therapeutic activity.
What employers can do
When New York and New Jersey employees speak up and step forward about harassment to their employers, employers should take immediate action. Victims should know that their harassment report is taken seriously.
Listening to a victim and cultivating an environment that encourages honest and open discussion about topics such as sexual harassment can go a long way toward retaining employees who are victims of sexual harassment. Providing ongoing support after the incident helps victims feel comfortable returning to work.
This type of healthy workplace environment also encourages future victims to come forward after experiencing sexual harassment.