Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time when we are reminded how common sexual violence is in workplaces, whether they are a home, a field, a factory, or a television set. Sexual violence is still a constant threat that endangers workers and threatens their ability to provide for their families and contribute to their communities.

Sexual harassment can include any unwanted behavior that happens because of your sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. It can occur in the workplace or can occur outside of the workplace and involve the people you work with. Examples include:

• Asking you out repeatedly
• Making comments about your body
• Asking personal questions about a person's body, gender identity or expression or gender transition
• Grabbing, groping, sexual assault, or rape

Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, of any gender, in any workplace. Several protections have been passed at the federal, state, and local level to protect workers from sexual violence. However, several of these protections are difficult to enforce for workers that are typically paid "under the table," that lack formal contracts, are gig-based, or are seasonal. 

Domestic workers are more vulnerable to sexual violence, as they often work in private homes, in isolated spaces, without formal contracts. Without this, workers are directly dependent on employers that have no oversight and no one to hold them accountable for their actions. Domestic workers are also less likely to have financial security, making them increasingly dependent on their work. 

Sexual Assault has also been found to be a major problem for farm workers. Farmworkers similarly work through casual and sometimes verbal agreements, leaving workers with less job security. Female farm workers are also greatly outnumbered, with women only accounting for only 1 in 5 or 1 in 3 workers, making them more vulnerable to experience harassment or assault. 

First, know that it is not your fault. Here are some steps to consider:

• If you believe you can do so safely, tell the harasser you want the behavior to stop 
• Read your employer's policy and see where it says you should report the harassment. If you feel you can do so safely, follow it and report it to your supervisor
• Talk to a trusted friend or co-worker 
• Write detailed notes about what happened. Keep copies of any evidence of harassment 
• Contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This is the federal agency that is the first place you want to contact if you want to make a legal complaint
• Contact the Legal Network for Gender Equity / TIME's UP Legal Defense Fund who can connect you to an attorney 

 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Laws enforced by the EEOC require you to file a charge of discrimination before you can file a lawsuit for unlawful discrimination.

Legal Network for Gender Equity and the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund 

The Legal Network for Gender Equity and the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund can help connect you to attorneys. Attorneys will do a first meeting for free. They offer resources for Workers, Students, Patients, and other groups that are facing sex discrimination or harassment.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Available 24/7 the hotline can be accessed via the nationwide number 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224 or (206) 518-9361 (Video Phone Only for Deaf Callers). The hotline provides service referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Persons can also contact the Hotline through an email request from the Hotline website. 

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE (4673) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. The National Sexual Assault Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all calls are anonymous and confidential.

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement 

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the leading national organization for Latino(a) workers and their families. Since its inception in 1972, LCLAA has remained a grassroots organization driven and directed by Latino labor leaders who understand the importance of unionization in helping workers secure rights and protections on the job, empowering them to become voices for justice and change in their communities. To help us continue our support for workers, please consider donating to LCLAA and becoming a member. Thank you!