Sexual Harassment Stories and Experiences

Susie, Texas

     In July, I began a new job with the company I have been with for 16 years. My new boss started the same day as me.

     Almost immediately came the “pat on the back” and the “neck rubs.”  This is something most of us are accustomed to, but we know it’s no big deal.  It wasn’t but 2 weeks before the remarks about the “butt” became commonplace.

     Then came open sexual remarks, and a show of jealousy from other men in the workplace.

     The next step was the “seductive” type behavior. I ignored all of this, like most women, thinking he would get the hints I dropped and realize that I was not interested in his advances.

     But it eventually got so bad that he began tugging at my hair, whispering in my ear, and offering promotions.  I knew all along what was happening, but like many times before, I thought I could shake this pervert. Not happening.

     I filed sexual harassment after working for him for 2 months, something I had not done in 16 years of my career which is in a workplace that is predominately male.  I went through all of the proper steps, and was told that he “felt offended” and that I could not discuss anything “per policy,”  as he had to be protected.  He told me I could face “disciplinary action” if I discussed this among my co workers.

     I was told that where this individual transferred from,  that it was accepted and commonplace, and that the people in South Texas did not have morals like the people in East Texas.  They did not mind his advances towards his female subordinates.  My reply was that no matter where you are from, you know  right from wrong.  He knew exactly what he was doing.  Other co-workers experienced the same advances from this man and confirmed my allegations. 

     My chain of command supervisor assured me my boss might “appear sterile or unfriendly” in the aftermath, but that he would “come around.”

     I do not regret my decision. But I wanted him to face me.  I wanted him to know that I wanted to be left alone.  I refused to change my status because it would leave an open opportunity for whomever took my position to be subjected to the same problem. 

     I documented well enough that I could not be moved from my present office, location, or position. However, this has been only 4 days ago and I am already hearing excuses from my bosses’ boss. The boss himself is walking around with his hands in his pockets and keeping pretty quiet.

     I am almost positive I will be retaliated against, but the best advice I can give to anyone is DOCUMENT! Keep a journal. Do it daily.  You might need it.  And do not be scared.  It is hard, but you have to do this for yourself and more importantly your co-workers. Hang in there!

This entry was posted on Monday, October 15th, 2007 at 12:04 pm and is filed under Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Formal Investigations and Litigation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.