1. Document Everything
Write down everything relating to every experience having to do with sexual harassment or abuse of any kind. Keep a journal of the time, person, place, conversation, actions and people who witnessed the sexual harassment. Make sure you document each time you tell the offender to stop harassing you, which should happen the first time you feel threatened. If you never tell the person to stop his words or actions, your case will be weaker, and it may be argued that you invited the abuse.
2. Know the Company Policy
Read through your employee handbook to find the company's policy regarding sexual harassment. You may need to see a policy and procedure manual for details on how you must report abuse. You must follow the procedures expressed by your company as closely as possible. Failure to follow procedure will harm your case and could cause it to be summarily dismissed, even though you have a valid case.
3. File a Report
Speak with someone in the human resources department or an immediate supervisor to get the forms needed for an official complaint. If the supervisor is the harasser, go to the next supervisor up the corporate ladder. Fill out the paperwork as quickly and fully as possible. Record the time, date and name of the person to whom you give the report. You can even ask for a signature showing the report was accepted.
4. Cooperate With the Investigation
Answer all questions asked during the investigation with openness and honesty and without being defensive. Don't talk to other people in the company about the investigation, because it will hurt your credibility by making you appear petty. Keep information you learn or receive confidential during the entire investigation.
5. Respond to the Decision
If a decision is made in your favor, you should consider the issue resolved and try to go back to work as usual. If you don't agree with the decision, you can file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), hire a lawyer to represent your case and/or speak with a person higher in the company. Keep an eye out for any further discrimination resulting from your report of sexual harassment. Contact the EEOC or a lawyer if you feel the company or an individual is retaliating against you.
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