What To Do if You’re a Victim of Harassment

What To Do if You’re a Victim of Harassment

Knowing what to do if you’re a victim of harassment at work in Ohio can be confusing and stressful. Whether you’re experiencing workplace harassment in Cleveland, Columbus, North Canton, or anywhere in Ohio, understanding your rights and options is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Understanding Workplace Harassment in Ohio

Workplace harassment is any unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic—such as race, gender, age (40+), disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, or military status—that creates a hostile or offensive work environment or results in an adverse employment action. Harassment at work in Ohio can take many forms, including verbal, physical, written, or visual actions.

Harassment generally falls into two main categories:

• Hostile Work Environment: Repeated, severe, or pervasive conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive workplace.
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When job benefits are conditioned on submitting to unwelcome conduct (often of a sexual nature).

Not all unkind or rude behavior is illegal harassment, but if the conduct is persistent, based on a protected trait, and affects your ability to work, you may have legal options.

What to Do if Someone Is Harassing You at Work in Ohio

If you believe you’re being harassed at work, it’s important to act promptly. Follow these steps to protect yourself and build your case:

• Check Your Employer’s Policy: Review your employee handbook or company intranet for anti-harassment and complaint procedures. Every employer should have a process for handling these issues.
• Report the Harassment: Report the conduct according to your employer’s policy. If there is no policy, report it to your immediate supervisor or human resources. Always try to make your report in writing, such as by email, to create a record.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed notes of each incident, including dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Save copies of emails, texts, or voicemails related to the harassment.
• Request Anti-Retaliation Protections: State and federal law prohibit retaliation against employees for reporting harassment. If you face any negative consequences after reporting, document those events as well.
• Follow Up: Request confirmation that your report was received and ask about next steps. Continue documenting all responses and actions taken by your employer.

If your complaint is not addressed, or if the harassment continues, you may need to escalate the matter externally.

Filing a Harassment Charge in Ohio

When internal processes do not resolve the problem, you may have the right to file a harassment charge with a state or federal agency.

• Where to File: In Ohio, you can file a harassment charge with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Both agencies have offices in Cleveland and Columbus and serve clients throughout Ohio, including North Canton and surrounding areas.
• Deadlines: You generally have 300 days from the date of the last incident to file with the OCRC and 180 days for the EEOC (these periods can overlap).
• How to File: Provide copies of your documentation, including your internal complaint, notes on incidents, and any employer responses.
• Potential Outcomes: If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to back pay, reinstatement, compensation for emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Evidence Needed to Prove a Harassment Claim

Building a strong case requires evidence. The following types of documentation will support your harassment claim:

• A clear timeline showing a pattern of unwelcome behavior
• Evidence linking the behavior to a protected characteristic (such as race, gender, or age)
• Proof you reported the conduct and your employer’s response (or lack of response)
• Any adverse job actions that occurred after you reported harassment
• Witness statements, emails, texts, and other communications

Additional Resources & Support for Ohio Employees

If you’re facing harassment at work, consider these resources:

• Nilges Draher LLC: Free case evaluation at our offices in Cleveland, Columbus, and North Canton, or by phone/video across Ohio and the U.S.
• OCRC & EEOC Offices: Local agencies can provide complaint forms and guidance.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Many employers offer confidential support and counseling.
• Local Support Groups: Seek help from organizations that assist employees facing workplace harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Harassment in Ohio

What can I do if someone is harassing me at work in Ohio?

If someone is harassing you, report the behavior to your employer in writing, document each incident, and follow up as needed. If the harassment continues or is not addressed, you may file a harassment charge with the OCRC or EEOC.

How long do I have to file a harassment charge in Ohio?

You generally have 300 days from the last incident to file with the OCRC and 180 days for the EEOC. Act quickly to preserve your rights.

Can I file a harassment charge in Cleveland, Columbus, or North Canton?

Yes. You can file a harassment charge with local OCRC or EEOC offices serving Cleveland, Columbus, North Canton, and all of Ohio.

Will reporting harassment lead to retaliation?

Retaliation for reporting harassment is illegal. If you experience negative job actions after reporting, document them and consult an attorney right away.

What compensation can I receive if I file a harassment charge?

You may be entitled to back pay, emotional distress damages, reinstatement, legal fees, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Take Action Now

Workplace harassment is a serious matter. That’s why we take such cases seriously right from the start here at Nilges Draher LLC. Find out how we can help you.

You have rights. An experienced harassment lawyer can stand up for them. Schedule your free case evaluation today to speak with a member of our legal team. Our law firm can help.