Were You Sexually Harassed, Assaulted or Raped At Work? Here’s What Steps You Can Take

For victims who decide to report sexual harassment or assault at work, outcomes can be unclear.

Every case is different. Workplace policies are different. Law is different by state. Some might be handled within the company. Some might need police involvement. Some might be brought to court, with civil and/or criminal implications.

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If someone has forced you to have sex or perform sexual acts, that person likely faces criminal charges, said Jennifer Long, Chief Executive Officer of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women. Same goes for anyone who has touched your breast, butt or genitals, undressed you or undressed in front of you without your permission. Some incidents might fall into civil cases, usually meaning victims are entitled to financial compensation. Those might include verbal sexual harassment.

Some incidents can be both civil and criminal cases. So, the victim could receive money and the abuser could be sent to prison.