Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

What to do if you think you got sexually harassed

1. Start recording the facts immediately, including date, time, place, and who was present. Be detailed in what occurred; who said and did what. Initially, you should keep a detailed journal of every incident of sexual harassment which should include the date, time, place, name of the harasser and his/her actions and/or words.

2. Your notes and documentation are critical evidence, and will be needed if you file a claim.

3. File a written complaint with your employer. If the employer has a procedure for handling sexual harassment grievances, you should follow it. If you do not complain to the employer, the employer can escape liability by claiming that he/she was not aware of the problem nor could he/she have known of it. However, if the problem is not remedied, you may want to pursue your case through the legal system by contacting the DFEH (California Department of Fair Employment and Housing), the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunities Commission), or an attorney.