With the rise of sexual misconduct reports in workplaces across the United States, more and more women are speaking up about the harassment they have faced in the workplace.

Building the courage to report a colleague or boss can feel intimidating and scary, however speaking up could not only save yourself from further issues, but it could also help other women who may be at risk. Read on to find out the steps you should take to end your workplace harassment and get justice.

Engage Legal Assistance

A sexual harassment attorney will be able to assist you with bringing legal action against your harasser. In these types of cases it is prudent to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of harassment and workplace law. They will help you file a grievance letter to your HR or managers to get the ball rolling.

Speak Out

Report your harasser to your boss or HR department. It’s best to have a copy of your complaint in writing so email it in and then discuss face to face if needed. Your workplace has a duty to end the harassment, so give them as much information as you have and ensure you list each occurrence of harassment. If no steps are taken to stop any more incidents, it actually becomes the company’s liability.

Remember, if the harassment doesn’t end, you are entitled to take legal action, as you would if someone were harming you outside of the workplace. Ensure your business knows how seriously you are taking the incidents and that they are aware that you have engaged a lawyer as your wellbeing should be their priority.

Keep A Record Of Occurrences

Make a note of each and every situation that occurs and keep them in a safe place outside of the workplace. It is important that you save and print any emails, Whatsapps, or texts that can be used as proof. Make sure you have copies on your personal devices that can be accessed if you are dismissed from the company as you will have no legal right to access work communication. Find out if you can get hold of any CCTV footage that shows any harassment. Having physical evidence can really help your case as harassment situations can often result in a he said/she said battle.

Gather Witnesses

If an occurrence has taken place in front of other members of staff, speak to them and ask them to come forward as a witness. It may transpire that there have been other women subjected to harassment and are willing to make a complaint too. Some people may not want to become involved for fear that it will harm their job or career, however, the more people who can corroborate your stories, the more successful your complaint will be.

Avoid Your Harasser

This may seem obvious but go out of your way to avoid the perpetrator as much as possible, especially whilst the situation is being investigated by your company. Your harasser is likely to be angry that they were reported, so ask your bosses or HR to make sure that they are staying away from you and you are no longer working closely together. You need this time to focus on yourself and your wellbeing without having to face them all day every day.

Have you been harassed at work? Share your story in the comments.