Woman Sexually Harassed in the Workplace

Jan. 13, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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I live in a small town in Georgia but work in a large national company there.  My supervisor is known for sexually harassing women but nothing has ever been done about it.  I have a good paying job but I am still thinking about quitting because I just don’t know what else to do.  Several other women have quit and some who refused his sexual advances have been fired. What are my options? Uninformed in Georgia

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Dear Uninformed:

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The biggest problem that most women experience in the workplace is depression which usually comes from workplace abuse (also called workplace discrimination) which might be sex or race discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexism.  First of all I suggest you learn all you can about sexual harassment and workplace abuse. 

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You can conduct research on the internet, go to the library and read books or order books online.  Some excellent books on workplace abuse include “Workplace Survival Guide: How To Fight Discrimination, Whistleblowing and the Workers’ Compensation System” and the two-part book “Discrimination 101: How To Recognize and Survive Discrimination in the Workplace (Volume I and Volume 2)."  

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All 3 books are e-books only and Volume 2 deals specifically with the abuses that women endure in the workplace.  So study the topics so you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make a good decision.  If you decide to fight back the only option you will have is to file an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC.gov) complaint in the workplace.  

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But understand up front chances are when you file this complaint, your workplace environment might become even more hostile or you might be fired.  If this happens the only choice you will have is to file a lawsuit against your employer while you look for other work or start your own business.  

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If it’s possible don’t quit but let them fire you.  This way your lawsuit will look better when you file it.  Many women are successful in these types of lawsuits especially if other women back up their stories of abuse in the workplace but it won’t be an overnight victory. So don’t give up!  

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