Some Steps to Take If You Are Being Sexually Harassed

Thank you to Jody Miller and the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights for the information in this article regarding sexual harassment.

On September 11, the WPN and the AAUW are presenting an event on "Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Compliance and Response" at Vassar College. Attendees who are employees will learn about their rights regarding sexual harassment which is prohibited as a form of sex discrimination under the New York State Human Rights Law, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, and various local laws. This unlawful conduct may occur in employment, housing, educational institutions, or public accommodations. Most often, sexual harassment occurs in the workplace.

1. Speak to Your Supervisor - If the harasser is your supervisor, speak to his or her supervisor.

2. Report the Offensive Behavior to your employer through the Affirmative Action Administrator, Personnel Director, EEO Officer, Union Representative, or any other person designated to handle sexual harassment complains.

3. Ask Other People who work with or near the harasser if they have ever been harassed, or if they know of anyone who has been or may have been harassed.

4. Keep a Diary including direct quotes, patterns of the harasment, and names of witnesses. Save any correspondence sent to you. Keep the diary and notes in a secure place, preferably at home.

You may also want to contact the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights at 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie or file a complaint with the NYS Division of Human Rights at 1 Fordam Plaza Bronx, NY.

Please note that pre-registration is required for the September 11th event: REGISTER.