How To Track Sexual Harassment At Work
Here's a quick reference for you on how to do it right – based on personal experience and an exclusive interview with Sailor Mercury.
I know documenting definitely won’t make it stop, but trust me, it can help out big time if you ever need to prove what happened.
1. Start now
The sooner you start keeping notes, the more accurate and complete they will be. You don’t have to know yet whether you’ll ever use them. At this point, you're just keeping your options open.
2. Write down what happened, right away
Write down the date, time, location, who was present, and what happened. Include all the details you can remember, and note whether you or the harasser told anyone about it afterward. Include direct quotes if you remember any.
3. Save every scrap of supporting evidence
Keep texts, emails, voicemails, photos, and schedules – anything that could help to show what happened. Take screenshots of your call logs if they're relevant.
4. Describe how the harassment affected you personally
Write down how the harassment made you feel and what impact it had on your life. Did it affect your sleep, mood, or health? Did it cost you money?
5. Describe how it affected your ability to do your job
Write down how the harassment changed things for you at work. Did it make it harder for you to do your job? Did your performance or reputation suffer? Were you punished for complaining?
6. Keep your documentation private and safe
Store everything in a secure place that your employer can’t access. Make sure you have access from your personal accounts, not just work accounts.
7. Keep your records up-to-date
Every time something new happens – or you remember something – add it to your notes. Notes you make over time, soon after each event, are generally taken more seriously than something you write all at once later.
