Being falsely accused of sexual harassment is sadly something that happens quite often. However, there are several things you can do to help the truth come to light. We’ve talked about them below.
Cooperate With Any Investigation
Once you’ve been accused, you will likely undergo an investigation. The investigation can be very long, and it can be difficult if you don’t cooperate.
Since you’re innocent, you should help the team as much as possible. It would allow them to find evidence to clear you of the charges.
To do this, come up with a list of witnesses that will be able to disapprove what you’re being accused of. Be careful of whom you choose, though.
Even if there are 6 people who saw what actually happened, some of them might be scheming with the person that is trying to ruin your image – they could testify against you.
Did You Make an Offensive Joke?
Some people are more thin-skinned than others. You might have made a joke that you didn’t think was offensive, but a coworker who is incredibly sensitive did.
The easiest way out of this situation is to apologize to your peer. Make sure that you tell the investigating team your intentions with the joke, and try to get them to understand that your coworker is just blowing things out of proportion.
In line with your peer misunderstanding situations, you might’ve accidentally touched their shoulder or them in a manner that they deemed inappropriate when you actually did not.
You should apologize for making them uncomfortable. Hopefully, they will realize that you were just being friendly.
Lawyer-Up
Have you Been Accused of sexual assault?
It’s more serious than other harassment complaints. With one wrong move, the investigations could turn on you.
If you hire a lawyer, you’d know the right things to say and the many things to avoid doing.
The assault accusations might lead to a trial.
If you hired legal help immediately when you were accused, such a situation could be avoided. If you’re in Toronto assault lawyer is someone you can easily find, so you don’t have to worry.
You might think that going this route might be too extreme, as lawyers can cost a lot. But remember that could lose your job. And more importantly, your freedom.
Did You Have a Relationship with Someone?
Your work-place might not allow relationships between employees. You could have been seeing your coworker, and unfortunately, it ended badly.
This may have resulted in the false harassment charges being cooked up against you.
Tell the team that the two of you were seeing each other. It might help them understand what is going on.
These days, false sexual harassment charges are common in the workplace. Once accused, it can ruin your reputation.
And as mentioned, things could escalate to a court hearing too.
The best thing you could do is lawyer-up the moment you’ve been falsely accused. The help of a professional would help you take the right steps.