What Evidence Do You Need to Prove a Sexual Harassment Claim?
Incidents of sexual harassment often occur without witnesses, leaving you with the challenging task of proving allegations against a co-worker. Gathering evidence in a Syracuse sexual harassment case is vital to ensure change and pursue compensation for damages. Preserve these examples of evidence to prove a sexual harassment claim and support your case.
Detailed Documentation
Be specific when documenting any incident of workplace harassment. Include the location, date, time, and the name of anyone you encounter in the moments following the harassment. A co-worker may witness the encounter’s emotional or physical impact on you.
The details of any experience begin to fade over time. An account of sexual harassment with wavering facts may make it more challenging to prove. Documenting the details provides more substantial evidence and support for your experience.
Paper Trail
Save texts, emails, phone calls, or voice messages to create a paper or evidence trail proving sexual harassment. While these messages may not include specific sexual references, emails can demonstrate a shift in a co-worker’s or supervisor’s attitude toward your work. Changes in the appraisal of your work performance that coincide with sexual harassment may prove retaliation after reporting harassment or resisting unwanted sexual advances.
Medical Documentation
Sexual harassment can leave physical and emotional scars. You may require medical care from a physician or mental health expert. Prescription medication may be necessary to cope with the stress and trauma resulting from sexual harassment.
Eyewitness Testimony
Friends, family, and other co-workers might notice physical and emotional changes after you experience sexual harassment in the workplace in Syracuse. They may not witness acts of aggression toward you. Still, they may be pivotal in identifying changes that seem out of character.
A Copy of the Complaint
Follow your company’s reporting policy to file an internal complaint. When filing a complaint, present copies of the documentation for your claim and retain the original information. Work with the investigating department to answer their questions, cooperate with the investigation, and share your experience.
Actions By a Company Preventing or Condoning Sexual Harassment
New York employers must strive to keep a safe work environment for employees. A company may be liable for not taking the necessary action to ensure your safety. Your employer should act immediately to address a complaint and seek a solution.
Retain any correspondence about the incident and identify the employer’s steps to correct the sexual harassment you experience. A business’s failure to address sexual harassment may lead to additional legal actions against an employer. Document potential actions by an employer that threaten your job or make your work more challenging to perform after reporting sexual harassment.
Secure the Evidence to Prove a New York Sexual Harassment Claim
Print or download any documentation from a workplace computer in case you lose access to the information. Unfortunately, retaliation for reporting sexual harassment may occur. Having a paper copy or thumb drive with the evidence that supports your claim prevents the destruction or deletion of crucial documentation to cover up illegal behaviors by a co-worker or employer.
Experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace can be an isolating experience. A Syracuse sexual harassment attorney can help you document your claim and collect supporting evidence. You can also get additional support in filing a sexual harassment claim with a state or federal agency in New York.