How Do You Deal with Sexual Harassment in the Workplace? By: Dr. Julie Armstrong Tel: (310) 273-9190 Email Dr. Armstrong Website: www.psychologyexpertwitness.com

Sexual harassment is designed to make another person feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a different form of bullying, and individuals who engage in sexual harassment are bullies; in this case though they use sexual comments, behavior or innuendo to catch the other person off guard and make them feel uncomfortable. Sexual harassment in the workplace is simply not acceptable behavior, since it risks interfering with your work performance, and subsequently jeopardizing your job.

If you are experiencing unwanted sexual behavior, comments or innuendo, it is important that you document the behavior. Keep notes about what happened and when it happened. It is important that you speak directly to the offender. Firmly, but clearly state the "you don't want." Say openly that you don't appreciate the unwanted comments or behavior.

Before you speak to the bully, select a confidant; this can be a friend or coworker. Describe what happened and how you feel about it. Use this person as a sounding board to create the scripts necessary to speak directly to the person harassing you. This helps you feel stronger in your position. It helps clarify the words you want to use. Your confiding in another person helps to serve as a witness to the offender's inappropriate sexual harassment in the workplace.

Be sure to take the names (and contact information) of anyone who witnesses the inappropriate behavior. It is common for this behavior though to happen in a private or unwitnessed place. This is why your own notes are very important.

Report both the unwanted behavior, as well as your response to it and anything you said to the harasser, to your supervisor along with copies of your notes. Your notes are important because they begin to create a paper trail that forces the company's hand into taking action. Describe how the behavior makes you feel, and don't be afraid to use words like "unsafe..., uncomfortable...," Or other words that capture exactly how you feel. (It is very common to feel dirty, nasty or icky; if this is your experience don't be afraid to use those words.)

Your state may have additional laws that govern harassment or sexual harassment in the workplace. In California, the equal employment opportunities commission will investigate claims of sexual harassment in the workplace. This is the opportunity to present your documentation, offer the names of witnesses, and get additional help outside the company if your employer has been unresponsive.

Don't be afraid to speak up. You have the right to a safe and appropriate workplace.