Facing sexual harassment in the workplace can lead to negative mental and emotional consequences. Feelings of shame and embarrassment can inhibit your career progression which takes a significant toll on your earning power.
If you suffer from acts of sexual harassment in the workplace, you can turn to some of the sexual harassment resources provided by Montana non-profit organizations. You can receive sexual harassment help for administrative purposes, as well as enhance your mental and emotional well-being. You can also file a claim to receive compensation for any damages from the workplace sexual harassment you experience.
Every state has organizations in place to provide sexual harassment help for every type of professional.
You have the right to file an administrative claim with the State of Montana or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Montana and the EEOC have established a work-sharing arrangement, which means when you file a claim for sexual harassment with one government agency, the information automatically passes on to the second government agency.
The Montana Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on several factors, with sex representing one of the most common factors. Sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination in the workplace, which means you file a sexual harassment claim with the Montana Human Rights Bureau. Before you file a claim of sexual harassment, speak with your manager or a representative from the human resources department to resolve your complaint. Review the policy presented in your employee handbook for handling a sexual harassment complaint before you meet with your manager or a representative from the human resources department.
If your employer refuses to take action on your complaint, the next step involves filing a sexual harassment claim with the Montana Human Rights Bureau. The Montana Human Rights Bureau offers advice to victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as provides assistance processing claims. You also can file a claim with the EEOC.
Here is the contact information for the Montana Human Rights Bureau
Phone
406-444-2884
Toll-Free: 1-800-542-0807
Fax
(406) 443-3234
A representative from the Montana Human Rights Bureau processes your claim and if you do not receive a favorable ruling, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against your employer.
If you were the victim of a sex crime at work, you must contact the proper local authorities to handle your case. Call 911 to activate the emergency response system. One or more detectives will interview you and any witnesses of the sex crime. You should seek medical attention to treat and document any injuries. For a sex crime, law enforcement typically wants physical evidence that leads back to the alleged perpetrator of the sex crime.
After law enforcement concludes its investigation, you might have enough persuasive evidence to file a criminal case. An attorney can help you determine the strength of your criminal case, as well as prepare you for trial.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can have a profound negative effect on your personal and professional lives. Working in fear can diminish the quality of a victim’s work, which can lead to a disruption of career progression. In addition to going through the proper claim filing channels, you should also consider getting support to mitigate mental and emotional issues.
Montana is home to several sexual harassment resources that help victims cope with mental anguish and emotional distress.
The Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violent (MCADSV) represents a statewide collaboration between individuals and organizations that work to end domestic and sexual violence. Sexual harassment resources include advocacy, public education, and emotional support. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MCADSV provides most of the emotional support services over the phone.
You can also contact the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services to receive sexual harassment help. The department offers a crisis text line at 800-273-8255, which is available to access 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
One of the most important workplace sexual harassment resources you can use is the legal support provided by an employment lawyer. Victims of workplace sexual harassment that work with an employment attorney may have a much better chance of getting their claims approved by the EEOC or the Montana Human Rights Bureau.
A lawyer can help you file a claim that includes convincing evidence and statements from witnesses that verify your version of events. Because sexual harassment frequently comes down to the version of events told by each party, getting witness support is a crucial element of winning your claim.
Get connected with an attorney today by filling out the Free Case Evaluation form.