The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) receives thousands of reports of sexual harassment within the workplace every single year. What is even more discouraging is the fact that many choose not to report these violations. Although the #MeToo movement helped to remove the stigma associated with coming forward, many victims continue to struggle with reporting the incident.
The following will discuss common reasons victims do not report harassment and the deadlines that can impact these claims.
Common reasons victims wait to report sexual harassment
The biggest reason victims refrain from reporting remains fear. This is particularly true within the workplace where the violation is often from someone in a position of power. Victims can be concerned that they may lose their job or that reporting could hold back their career. It is also common for the individual who violates the victim to cast blame on the victim for the harassment.
Another concern is retaliation. Although illegal, retaliation is a pervasive problem often linked to workplace sexual harassment. The EEOC reports that over 43% of victims filed retaliation claims in connection with sexual harassment charges.
It is important for victims to remember that sexual harassment is often about power. Victims can regain some sense of power by using the legal system to hold their abuser accountable.
Deadline for filing a sexual harassment report
There are timelines that guide when a victim of workplace sexual harassment can file a claim and hold the offending party accountable for their actions. In North Carolina, this is generally set at 180 days after the incident.
There are factors, like continued abuse, that could extend this deadline. As such, those who are victims of sexual harassment are wise to seek legal counsel. Lawyers with experience in this area of employment law can review the case and provide guidance on potential legal remedies.