In general, if an employee has been targeted for sexual harassment, the initial step to deal with it is to report the initial issue to the employer. The employer has responsibilities when this type of case occurs. If they cannot meet the duties, the employee can take the next step- filing a complaint or getting help from sexual harassment lawyer San Antonio.
What should we expect after a sexual harassment claim?
Every employer policy can be slightly different from others, but in general, mentioned below are the things you should expect from your employer when filing a sexual harassment claim.
- Prompt investigation
Your employer must take your allegations seriously and investigate the case in a timely manner. The person assigned for investigation should gather information about the nature of the harassment, the perpetrator’s name, and the name of others who witnessed the incident.
You may require to provide specific descriptions and accounts of the harassment–which is why it is essential to document the nature of abuse when it happens. If you keep the case to yourself for longer, you may be required to answer the reason afterward.
- Consequences for the harasser
Not every accusation of inappropriate behavior brings about sexual harassment. But if the investigation says that sexual harassment occurred, the harasser will face disciplinary consequences.
The consequences may involve demotion, written or oral warning, reassignment, deferral from an expected raise or promotion, or sometimes suspension.
- Not to be the target of retaliation.
Your employer cannot retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment case–even if the investigation finds out that the behavior does not give rise to any forms of sexual harassment.
If you face any such issues as demotion, withdrawal of promotion, pay reduction, or other professional consequences–your employer might be the one to break the law.
If you file a complaint regarding sexual harassment and the employer is not taking appropriate actions–like taking your acts seriously, not doing proper investigation, and the consequences for the harasser, if the investigation verifies your account, you should contact an attorney. It is especially valid if your employer retaliates for filing a sexual harassment complaint.
Your case will be investigated and reviewed. The investigation agency will finish its investigation in less than 180 days after the incident of the harassment. You can confirm whether or not harassment took place or ask for a hearing from the administrative law judge.
