I Was Sexually Harassed By My Boss: What Should I Do Now?
Experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace is an incredibly difficult and deeply personal ordeal, especially when the misconduct comes from someone in a position of authority. Many employees are left feeling powerless, anxious about their future, and uncertain of how to protect their rights. A proactive approach is a must. Workers have rights under both Florida law and federal law. In this article, you will find an overview of the steps that you should take if you were sexually harassed by your boss in Florida.
Step 1: Take Care of Yourself First
Your health, safety, and well-being all matter. They are the top priority for victims of sexual harassment. Being a victim of sexual misconduct is a serious violation of your rights. If you have been harassed by your boss, your well-being comes before anything else. Sexual harassment can leave you feeling shaken, unsafe, and vulnerable. You should make sure you are in a safe environment and seek support from trusted friends, family, or a counselor who can help you process what happened. No one deserves to be treated this way at work. Protecting your emotional and physical health matters.
Step 2: Document the Sexual Harassment
When you feel able, begin keeping detailed notes of every incident. As a starting point, you should write down dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and whether anyone else witnessed the harassment. Your contemporaneous notes matter. You should save text messages, emails, or voicemails that show inappropriate behavior. Documentation not only gives you a sense of control but also creates powerful evidence if you choose to file a complaint. The more detail you preserve, the harder it is for your boss (and the company) to deny what happened.
Step 3: Report What Happened
You have the right to report sexual harassment. Florida law and federal law both encourage employees to use internal reporting systems when available. You should check your employee handbook or HR policies to see how harassment complaints should be made. If possible, it is best to report the misconduct to human resources or another trusted manager. While it may feel intimidating to come forward, doing so formally documents your complaint and triggers your employer’s legal duty to investigate. Remember, retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is against the law.
Step 4: Consult With an Attorney
Navigating the sexual harassment claims process is complicated. You do not have to figure out everything on your own. The right approach can make the difference in a complex case. Florida workers are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). An experienced employment lawyer can explain your rights, help you file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), and fight for justice.
Get Help From a Florida Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorney Today
Sexual harassment in the workplace is simply not acceptable. If you were sexually harassed by a boss or any other type of management level employee, please contact an experienced Florida workplace sexual harassment attorney for a fully confidential initial consultation.
