About a month ago, as I was doing my final check on things and getting ready to head home, one of the drs I regularly work with approached me and asked if i wanted to go out for dinner or drinks sometime. I made a joke about my husband probably not appreciating that and he said 'Maybe another time.'. Fast forward a few weeks, and as I'm walking in in the morning he asks if I'm free that night. I politely decline. It has now been about a month and it has escalated to him putting his arm around my shoulder, to him adjusting the card conveniently over my breast to just today him standing behind me as i was bending over and putting his hands on my hips and pulling me against him. I have told him multiple times now that I'm not interested, and would prefer if our relationship was nothing but professional but every time he dismisses me.
My question is, how do I deal with this? I've tried talking to the higher-ups but I was told that I should get over it. This dr has been working here for much longer than me, and is well respected, there is little chance anyone here would take my side over his.
Should I do something, or am I over reacting and should just ignore it?
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
My question is, how do I deal with this? I've tried talking to the higher-ups but I was told that I should get over it.
The behavior is ongoing and includes a pattern of violations of body/personal space, and more than one "higher-up" told you to get over it?
I personally would have a hard time working somewhere where they blatantly disrespect you and condone the creep's behavior by their refusal to act on your complaint.
I would imagine Canada has government agencies who investigate complaints like yours.
I have to wonder what makes him feel like he can put his hands on your hips and pull you against him ? My coworkers wouldn't go beyond a hug without my permission. I'm sorry, I just realized that OP is in Canada. Perhaps they are not as litigious and "I'm being bullied/harassed" happy as the US.
This is sexual harassment, as pp have noted. And usually, there is a state number that you can call to report it. Then it is not a local thing, and brings it to a different level.
Just as disturbing to me is the "get over it" and "suck it up" comments you received from higher ups. This is equally as illegal. And I would go on the parent website and report them as well, as it is not in compliance nor ethical.
I am sorry that this has happened to you.
I just realized you are from Canada. Here's a link that I hope helps.
No your not overreacting at all. That is sexual harassment and if your higher ups are telling you to ignore it you are not going high enough. The last thing your hospital wants is a lawsuit. If there is a corporate hotline use it.
In addition to all of the above, I would next time he touches you in a loud voice say "You have one second to take your hands off me or I will knee you in the groin, Do you understand?" and follow thru with it. Make sure your co-workers know so that you are never left alone with or near him.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I know you're in Canada but if that didn't stop after I told the doctor to. Then if I told my boss & hiss boss & all they told me to do is get over it. I would get a lawyer. I wouldn't be putting up with that. No way!
Accept his invitation. And make sure when he gets to the restaurant, he finds you at the table with your husband and a few of his beefiest friends. He will get the message.
Document absolutely everything you can remember and immediately go to HR. Keep documenting every time it happens and report each incident to HR. Keep copies of everything in a secure location, you may need them in the future. This is a hostile work environment if HR does nothing
According to the DOJ [h=2]WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?[/h]
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.
You have been sexually assulted a lawsuit and police report is in order, call an attorney that should get the Hospital's attention
nursel56
7,122 Posts
The behavior is ongoing and includes a pattern of violations of body/personal space, and more than one "higher-up" told you to get over it?
I personally would have a hard time working somewhere where they blatantly disrespect you and condone the creep's behavior by their refusal to act on your complaint.
I would imagine Canada has government agencies who investigate complaints like yours.