sexual harrassment

Published

Who would you go to?????

We work at a small close knit facility. Our payroll clerk has been employed here for years and has been groping female employees for YEARS. Most of the women push him away and tend to laugh it off in front of him, Im sure out of embarrasment and fear that he will manipulate the paychecks in some way. Some employees have been more vocal towards him and he leaves them alone for a time but usually resorts back to his old behavior. Lately his behavior has become more disgusting as he now reaches between the legs from behind and gropes private parts then laughs about it. He does this to the aides, nurses and housekeepers. Young and old!!! Problem is he is personal friends with our DON so no one has gone to her. Our new ADON is a very timid woman and the owners are absent. This behavior must stop. It isnt funny! I am a new employee who has been "chosen" to bring this problem to someone who will put an end to it. I have no idea who to go to. One of the employees wants to go to the local police but Im not sure if its a police problem. We cant afford to lose our jobs due to the friendship between our DON and this pervert. Any advice??? I have even spoken to this man about the possiblity of losing his job and possibly his home. I asked if it was worth it. He responded by poking at my breast and walking away. Nothing seems to deter his behavior. What would YOU do??????? Thanks.

That's what really bothered me about the whole thing. Too many times people do exactly what's being recommended here: run to the EEOC or an attorney, tell them about all the aweful things that are happening at an organization even though they've never witnessed any of it, it gets invtestigated, people who first told these stories change their story or downplay it, so much so that it's not a reportable incident at all, and the attention goes back to the original "whistle blower" who then looks like a trouble maker for making a big deal out of nothing.

Again, talk to them about your incident only. If they ask about others' experiences or if others are then willing to come forward, fine. Otherwise, for your own protection, be specific to your experience only and encourage others to come forward with their own experiences.

Together you stand , united you fall. If you go alone in this it will be near imposible to prove.Strength in numbers.Also I reiterate, they will look out for their own best interests before yours, they are a business, just like all the other healthcare corps out there, money is the bottom line.Dont be misled, please.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, PACU, OB, Education.

What if he's doing it to the residents when he's not getting his jollies off of the staff? You'll all be dragged in on that one and while he may be the one to actually get the rap, you'll all get a nasty bit of publicity.

You know what he is, stop him now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

The first thing I would probably do is punch him in the face; that would actually be a reflex action for me if someone was to assault me like this. Then I would call the police. What the heck is wrong with all the people in this facility to let this happen to them over and over again. Does anyone have any self respect anymore? I tell you what, after I hit him, my husband would get a shot, then my sons would get their shot in, then my father, then brothers, and so on. :smokin:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.
The first thing I would probably do is punch him in the face; that would actually be a reflex action for me if someone was to assault me like this. Then I would call the police. What the heck is wrong with all the people in this facility to let this happen to them over and over again. Does anyone have any self respect anymore? I tell you what, after I hit him, my husband would get a shot, then my sons would get their shot in, then my father, then brothers, and so on. :smokin:

Right??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

You should be able to find any number of attorneys who would absolutely drool over the opportunity to turn this case into BIG $$$$$! However, I suspect that federal and local laws are structured such that you would probably be required to attempt to resolve this problem through any government agencies which have been established for this purpose before you would be able to pursue it in court individually. Just about any attorney will discuss such a case with you at no cost and would very probably take such a case on a contingency basis with no money up front if they feel you have grounds for suit. With this guy's blatant and defiant behavior, any attorney ought to be able to assist or advise you on how to collect unimpeachable evidence, audio, video, whatever to turn this case into a money-maker. This guy is just begging to be set up for a jackpot lawsuit and so is your employer if they are stupid enough to try to cover for him.

Get some legal advice before you do anything. It will cost nothing and could pay off big time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
Right??
Right.:smokin:
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I think you should present each of your co-workers with their very own can of pepper spray......I understand what you are saying about the area in which you live and the type of people you work with.They basically are trapped.People like that feel (are made to feel ) powerless and will put up with alot...Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

document, document, document.

then go up the nursing ladder. if your boss or his won't address the situation, go up to the next level.

if no one addresses the situation, call a lawyer.

this may be a police matter, but you're better off in terms of keeping your job (or getting another) addressing it through channels within the institution if possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How sad. As you stated, "We cant afford to lose our jobs due to the friendship between our DON and this pervert." Well you might as well just keep letting him do what he is doing because nobody seems to be doing anything about it. NURSES NEED A BACKBONE!!!!!!!! You should not be subject to this abuse. The first and only first time it happened YOU should have ripped his hand right off his wrist. I don't blame him. I blame all of you for letting it go on!!! Once shame on him, twice shame on you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

THe first thing I would do is let him know legal action is being started and let him sweat alittle - then If he touched me again I would call the police

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just exactly how were you "chosen" to bring an end to this thing? Did all of you have a vote or something? If you have so much as witnessed the sexual assault/harrassment of another employee you can bring sexual harrassment charges. For you and the rest of the employess that tolerate this behavior and do nothing is to condone it and you can be also found guilty for sexual harrassment for knowing about it and doing nothing should another employee file charges. Every institution I believe have to have a process and have to educate their employees on what sexual harrassment is and what the proper channels are to report it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Over 23 years ago I was working as a technician, traveling to different offices, fixing equipment. One day, one of the clients hugged me, long and pretty snuggly. It was CREEPY. I mentioned it to my dispatcher, and the s**t hit the fan. That guy got in big trouble for one incident! I NEVER had to service that client again, and everyone at my company got sexual harrassment training. Have we gone backwards? This should have stopped years ago!!!:scrying:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion