What steps must you take @ work against sexual harassment before you should get a lawyer?

what steps must you take @ work against sexual harassment before you should get a lawyer? and is it against the law for the employeer to tell the person who the claim is against who made the complaint?

also, this person doing the harassing has had MANY complaints, 1 of an employee i've spoken to who still works there & another by someone no longer there but i still talk to her & have spoken with both about what happened 2 them, they both told me that there were even MORE before their complaints.

I have been a victim of sexual harrassment work place (my immediate supervisor) here are the steps (LONG and LENGTHY PROCESS--even with witnesses.Witnesses may say they are 'all for you,go for it,but in the end they change their minds,can't remember ectra.as it was in my case.)
Before you get an attorney these things MUST be done:

1-Detail EVERY instance in writing.Dates,times,place,who was involved.This gives you a timeline and crediability to your claim.

2-Send written complaint to your supervisor (certified mail,signature required)(ALWAYS ,ALWAYS make copies,send the original) IF your harrasser is indeed your supervisor step up the process.Find name and address of Regional Manager--send certified mail detailed complaint (just facts,don't insert 'opinions'.) Wait 7 days from date of mailing to get your response.If none come,but harrassments getts worse by your boss there's your answer--they don't intend to investigate.

3-When ANY sexual harrassment complaint is filed there is almost always an internal investigation,as the complainant you have the right by law to see or get copy of the investigation/resolution.

4-File a claim with EEOC.If your claim has merit (and I assume it does) you will be assigned an investigator.When the EEOC rep. calls you you can ask how many times the company has been sued for sexual harrassment--(Won't tell you? No worry--Google search the city,state and company you are reporting,most have a link to find these matters out.)
It takes time lots of it so be prepared to wait. Months. My claim took 18 months. Check the status of your claim every Friday A.M. to see if it's moving along.Keep good communication going with EEOC.

5-HIRING A LAWYER-
-Only AFTER THE COMPLETE INVESTIGATION IS DONE BY EEOC will you be issued a 'right to sue letter'.Without this letter most lawyers won't even 'look at the case'. 90% of the lawyers I contacted were not even intrested without a hefty retainer fee$3000.00 and up.

6--IF you are offered mediation by the company(that would be a 'leagel team rep. calling you) ask for PUNITIVE and CONSQUENTIAL DAMAGES Plus lost wages.

7--I believe 'confidentialy of a complaint is covered under the privacy act' so it WOULD be a breach of privacy.
Best of luck to you.

You should immediately take action against sexual harassment once it takes place, however you decide to handle it. The steps that MUST be taken, would be on the part of your supervisor's after receiving your accusation.

If you decide to file a complaint, then you should back it up with action (stress leave or sick leave), indicating also in your complaint that you are stressed out or feel sick and that you won't be returning to work until they address the situation to your satisfaction. Money talks; when you take 'sick leave' you'll be hitting them in the wallet, thereby giving you their undivided attention.

Your employer has to inform the accused of the accusation and your name. It's part of the investigation process.

1. You must REPORT the harassment according to the employer's policy.
2. Yes, the employer CAN tell them who made the report.

If you have reported the harassment, according to company policy, and are still experiencing the harassment, you should consult an attorney. If you belong to a Union, you should first contact your Union Representative.

First, you tell your Supervisor/boss. If this doesn't solve it, go to HR or whoever is managing the company. If they sluff it off or give you excuses, inform them you will be filing a complaint with the Government. Then do it.

DOCUMENT.

DOCUMENT.

DOCUMENT!

i dont think so but i would get a smarter persons opinion