Harassment allegations are becoming more common as the culture changes. Many cases start from misunderstandings and can be entirely false, but they can still hurt your career. The good news is there are several ways to protect yourself from these allegations and keep thriving financially. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your financial situation and keep living the lifestyle you want.
Maintain silence
If you are accused of harassing someone, stay silent. Do not feel the urge to explain your side of the story to colleagues, and do not talk to coworkers, even those you trust, because anything you say can be used as witness testimony against you later.
- Stay off social media. Do not post any updates or defences, and do not vent, since investigators often look for this kind of activity.
- Do not go near the accuser or apologise to them in any way. Do not try to clear the air or “sort things out,” and do not say you are sorry for anything you have done, since this can be seen as a sign of guilt.
- You may also be accused of tampering with evidence or further harassing the alleged victim.
Get legal counsel immediately
Don’t spend any time debating whether you should get legal counsel. Find an experienced sexual offence solicitor you can rely on to help you defend your case.
Before you give a formal statement to anyone, including your company’s HR department, work with an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and the harassment definitions that apply in your situation. You should also read your employee handbook and review the disciplinary process for harassment.
Sometimes harassment is handled internally, but you can still be caught off guard by how the process unfolds. If the harassment case goes external and the accuser tries to push it through court, you will definitely need a lawyer. Make sure you follow their advice to the letter, including staying silent and not engaging with anyone unless you have to by law.
Document what happened
Another way to protect your career after an allegation is to document what happened. Write everything down while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include:
- dates
- times
- specific locations
This gives courts or tribunals something concrete to use when evaluating your case. Also list all the witnesses who were present during the alleged incidents and keep any exculpatory evidence, including:
- emails
- Slack messages
- texts
These can help provide context about your relationship with the person involved. Do not save any of this documentation on your work computer. Use a personal device or a notebook that you control so nobody else can tamper with the evidence.
Avoid oversharing
Finally, be careful not to overshare. Stick to the facts about the situation, and only provide additional information when it is asked for. Always follow your lawyer’s advice on what to share, what to hand out, and what to keep to yourself. Make sure you know exactly what you are being accused of so you can address it accurately.