If you feel uncomfortable and/or think that someone's behavior is inappropriate, trust your own judgment.
- Recognize that ignoring sexual harassment typically will not make it stop.
- Inform the harasser(s) directly that the conduct is unwelcome and must stop. Often the harassing is done to assert power and induce fear. However, it is not always safe for victims to confront their harassers, for reasons of physical safety, concerns for losing their job or of retaliation. Victims do not have to inform their harassers that their behavior is unwelcome in order to file a complaint of sexual harassment, if doing so may jeopardize their physical safety, emotional well-being or work/school success.
- Document the harassing behavior. Write down specifically what was done or said and if there were other witnesses. In addition to documenting incidences of sexual harassment, also keep notes about negative actions that result from the harassment (e.g., a demotion, declining work/school performance as demonstrated from grades or an evaluation or stress-related illness as documented from health care provider visits). Keep a copy of any written communication sent to/from the harasser. Tell someone in authority about the harassment.
- Talk to family members, friends and/or co-workers whom you believe you can trust and will be supportive. Ask for help, support and guidance. Don't remain silent.
- Become familiar with the sexual harassment policies and grievance or complaint procedures that apply to your situation (see above, A Civil Rights Violation).
- Formally report the harassment and file a complaint with the applicable entity (e.g., your school, workplace, facility administration, etc.), if necessary (see below).
- Take legal action. When no other recourse exists, you may choose to file a lawsuit under federal laws.
If your physical safety or wellbeing are issues: You are encouraged to reach out to a rape crisis center advocate or another professional or support person for help in creating a plan to enhance your safety. Also see the website section on victim guides, victim information, safety planning.
Where victims file a complaint depends on where the harassment occurred.
- West Virginia Human Rights Commission for qualifying workplaces and schools: 304-558-2616 or 1-888-676-5546, 304-558-2976 (TDD). (Also see its website, FAQ and brochure on sexual discrimination.)
- State of West Virginia Governor's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity for state employees: 304-558-0400. (Also see its website.)
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for qualifying workplaces: 1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY). (Also see its website and Facts about Sexual Harassment.)
- Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education for schools and colleges that receive federal financial assistance: 1-800-421-3481 (civil rights hotline), 202-453-6100, Federal Relay Service, or Email ocr@ed.gov. (Also see its website.)
These organizations have specific time frames in which a complaint must be filed after the harassment occurs. For the EEOC, its within 180 days of the harassment (may be extended by state law). For the WV Human Rights Commission, its within 365 days. For the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, its within 180 days (extensions may be available with waiver with good cause). (Note this information is accurate as of November 2018—check with the above website for any changes.)