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ItsJustMe asked in Society & CultureEtiquette · 1 decade ago

If boss knows about sexual harassment committed on an employee but does nothing...

Here's the situation. I work in an office with people from two different departments. My boss is the boss for 6 other people in the office, including a sweet new girl who is just out of college, very young and inexperienced as far as proper office etiquette.

Also in our office is another manager who does not report to my boss, but still out-ranks the rest of us. This other manager, although he is quite openly gay, on two separate ocassions has sexually harassed the new girl. The first time was at an off-property event, he took a picture up her skirt with the camera on his phone, then sent the picture to various people in the office on their cell phones. The second time was in the office during business hours, he touched her breasts and raised her skirt.

I did not witness either situation, but many others in my office did. My boss did witness the camera-phone incident and is aware of the skirt incident. However, he is doing NOTHING about it. I am afraid she is so young that she does not realize the seriousness of what took place.

What, if anything, should I do about this? I am the second most senior person in the office, and my boss does not seem inclined to take any action whatsoever.

Serious answers only. Thanks!

9 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    She can actually have the guy who did it arrested, sue him and the company and the manager personally for this.

    You may want to point out to the manager that he is putting the company and himself in serious liability. At least then, you as a senior employee have covered yourself for any impropriety if she decided to sue.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Talk your fellow colleagues into complaining to your boss together. He cannot dismiss the opinion of his entire staff and would have to act against the manager who harassed the girl. Maybe you all can suggestively offer the idea that him disciplining this manager is a proper alternative to rest this case. Alternately, take it to an organization, police, whichever that protects employees from sexual harassment to file complaint against the manager but also against the boss for not intervening.

  • 1 decade ago

    It's a good old boys club out there isn't it? Walk up the the guy and tell him that you are making a record of his inappropriate behavior toward this employee and when the girl decides she is going to file charges against him, and tell him she eventually will, that you will be there to be a witness for her harassment case. If he gives you any crap tell him to not press his luck. If your boss says anything to you about it just tell him it won't be long before that girl gets sick of being treated like that and you are trying to protect the company from unwanted law suits.

  • 1 decade ago

    Could you approach the girl in a casual way, ask her how she is settling in, and to let you know if anything is bothering her. It will give her a chance to mention the incidents if she wants to. Be there for her, and make sure she knows these incidents were not her fault. If she is upset, you must make this pig of a man, stop doing this. He's obviously insecure to have to make fun of a young girl, point out to him perhaps hes lacking in inches or something.And make sure that boss has a serious word with him

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  • 1 decade ago

    Managers can be held personally liable for knowing about harrassment and not reporting it. It sounds to me like your boss could be fired or sued because of what transpired. I would advise you to report the situation to your HR department immediately.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The boss is in serious trouble if proof can be gathered up first. Before going to a lawyer gather up the info to back it up because I smell a lawsuit she will win if she gets her proof first. Becareful about getting yourself involved because the proof on papers will be enough.

    Source(s): My husband is an attorney
  • 1 decade ago

    You should approach your supervisor on this situation, if he does not resolve it, go to your human resources department.

    This could be cause for immediate termination.

    If you do not get results, you can seek various free legal assistance locally.

    Best of luck, this should not happen in any office.

  • 1 decade ago

    talk to the boss or the new employee about it and come up with a plan dont sit their and do nothing it will probebly get worse

  • 1 decade ago

    Contact human resources.

    Oh and it doesn't matter if this man is openly gay or not. This is still inapporopriate.

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