Civil rights lawyer Des Moines, IA
There are many warning signs that could mean an employee is being bullied or sexually harassed at work. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to come forward and report these incidents as the victim themselves, or aa the witness of such conduct happening. Those who aren’t sure where to turn can rely on the guidance from a lawyer who is experienced in handling these delicate cases. A few examples of how workplace bullying or sexual harassment may occur are listed below:
- An employee being accused of mistakes they hadn’t committed
- An employee being subjected to work criticism that is overtly negative
- An employee being humiliated or yelled at in front of coworkers
- Spreading gossip about an employee regarding personal life and/or work performance
- Using illicit language that is racially-charged or gender-based
- Threatening retaliation if an employee doesn’t perform a certain task
- Threatening retaliation if an employee engages in a protected activity (whistleblowing, using workers compensation benefits, etc.)
- An employee having their schedule purposefully changed so it conflicts with their personal outside work activities
- Unwanted physical contact such as grabbing, touching, pinching, or blocking a pathway to walk
- Unwanted comments, jokes, gestures, or drawings of a sexual nature
The effects of bullying and harassment in the workplace can take a serious toll on the victim, causing their mental health to suffer. The employee may have trouble concentrating at work, have loss of self-esteem, or constantly under stress of avoiding the perpetrator. A workplace harassment victim may report health problems such as the following:
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Stress
- Raised blood pressure
- Ulcers
- Loss of sleep
Victims of workplace harassment are encouraged to speak with a lawyer immediately. There are people victims can rely on to intervene and keep their wellbeing safe. Consider contacting a civil rights lawyer in Des Moines, IA from Des Moines Injury Law, LLP now for support.
