Can sexual harassment victims stay anonymous?

It is understandable that employees who experience sexual harassment may not want everyone in their workplace to know about it. Often, they just want the harassment to stop without drawing unnecessary attention to the unwelcome behavior.

Ideally, employers should have an internal reporting procedure that allows employees to remain anonymous when bringing forth complaints. Having a confidential system not only protects the identity of sexual harassment victims but it also encourages workers to report misconduct early and without fear of retaliation.

If you are unsure about your company’s complaint procedures, ask your employer what to expect and who will know if you report sexual harassment. While you may want to keep your complaint entirely confidential, be aware that investigations are likely to involve interviews with the perpetrator, managers, coworkers and others in the workplace as potential witnesses. Even if identities are revealed during the investigation process, it is important for employers to have policies in place to maintain the privacy of all parties involved.

Remember, when you report sexual harassment, you are legally protected from retaliation. This means your employer cannot take negative actions such as firing you, decreasing your salary or giving you a negative performance review for filing a sexual harassment complaint.

Other Sexual Harassment FAQs:

• Can I file a sexual harassment claim against my employer if I was harassed outside of the workplace?
• Can I file a sexual harassment claim even if there were no witnesses?
• Can my employer fire me if I complain about sexual harassment?
• Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a sexual harassment claim?
• Can sexual harassment victims stay anonymous?
• Does online harassment count as sexual harassment?
• Does physical touching need to be involved for conduct to be considered sexual harassment?
• Does verbal harassment count as sexual harassment?
• How can a lawyer help me with my sexual harassment claim?
• How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim?
• I was sexually harassed at work do I need an attorney?
• What evidence do you need to prove sexual harassment at work?
• What happens if you are laid off after being sexually harassed?
• What is sexual harassment at work?
• What is sexual harassment in the workplace?
• What should I do if I was sexually harassed at work?
• What should I do to protect my legal rights if I have been sexually harassed at work?
• What types of sexual harassment can occur in California workplaces?
• Who do I tell if I feel that I am being sexually harassed at work?
• Who is liable for sexual harassment in the workplace?