In the wake of the Hollywood sexual harassment scandals the #MeToo movement was born. This simple yet effective hashtag went viral on social media opening the eyes of world to the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, especially in the workplace. This social movement has given women the courage to speak up and hold their harassers accountable for their actions. It has demonstrated that sexual harassment in the workplace is not a relic of the past. In October, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released data which shows the dramatic effect the #MeToo movement has had as it relates to sexual harassment in the workplace. The data shows:
- The number of sexual harassment lawsuits initiated against employers in 2018 jumped 50% between 2017 and 2018.
- Charges alleging sexual harassment rose by 13.6% in 2018.
- Of those charges, reasonable cause findings increased by 23.6% in 2018.
- The EEOC recovered nearly $70 million for the victims of sexual harassment through administrative enforcement and litigation in 2018, an increase of more than $22 million from 2017.
As a Milwaukee Area Employment Attorney, I believe the #MeToo movement and these statistics show there is a wave of change coming with respect to sexual harassment in the workplace. In the past, many victims felt uncomfortable coming forward and reporting harassment. Some even blamed themselves. Through the virtual flood of women sharing their experiences on social media, the stigma that should never have been there is now lifted.
If you are being harassed at work:
- If you are comfortable doing so, tell the harasser to stop. It does not matter if the situation started with innocent compliments. When you feel uncomfortable it is OK to put your foot down.
- Report the harassment. If your employer has a harassment policy, follow it.
- If there is no policy, report the harassment to a supervisor and/or to human resources.
- Be vigilant for retaliation. You have a legal right to report sexual harassment. An employer may not retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment, participating in a sexual harassment investigation or for initiating a sexual harassment complaint with the EEOC or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Equal Rights Division.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities under the law is important. If you believe that you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment and/or retaliation for reporting sexual harassment it is always best practice to contact a Milwaukee Sexual Harassment Attorney as soon as possible. An employment lawyer will advise you of your rights and counsel you about the best way to proceed to protect yourself and your job. Getting timely legal advice may assist you in resolving the situation, may prevent an adverse employment action and may strengthen your legal claims if there is an adverse employment action.
If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace contact Carroll Law Firm, SC, a Milwaukee Sexual Harassment Law Firm that will work tirelessly to advocate for your employee rights.