Can You Be Sexually Harassed When Working from Home?

Working from home removes a lot of the frustration and nuisances that come with working in an office. Not only can it be more comfortable, but it also means you won’t need to work as hard to get along with people with whom you might not see eye-to-eye.

But remote work doesn’t remove all risk of problems.

For example, as surprising as it might seem, you can still experience sexual harassment when working from home. Harassment might look different when you’re spending most of your work hours in the comfort of your own home. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

What Do You Need to Know about Sexual Harassment When Working from Home?

There are a few key things to remember if you think you may be experiencing sexual harassment while working from home.

First, it is important to remember that sexual harassment can occur even if there is no physical contact. For example, sexual harassment occurs when a co-worker repeatedly sends you sexually explicit emails or text messages.

Additionally, sexual harassment can also occur through social media. Someone tagging you in explicit photos or videos without your consent is sexual harassment.

What Can You Do If You Experience Sexual Harassment While Working Remotely?

If you believe that you are being sexually harassed while working from home, make sure you document the behavior just as you would in the office. This can be done by:

• Taking screenshots of any offensive communications
• Keeping a journal of any incidents
• Gathering any other evidence that may be relevant

Next, contact your company’s human resources department or file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

While sexual harassment is a serious issue, it is important to remember that there are steps you can take if you believe you’re a victim of harassment. By taking action and speaking up, you can help put an end to sexual harassment in the workplace.

If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, there are a few resources that can help:

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The EEOC is a federal agency that investigates claims of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
• The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): The NSVRC is a national organization that provides information, resources, and support to survivors of sexual violence.
• RAINN: RAINN is a national organization that provides support and resources to survivors of sexual violence.

If you’re dealing with sexual harassment while working remotely or in a traditional workplace, we can help. For more information or to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation, contact Borrelli & Associates, P.L.L.C. to schedule a free consultation.