Here’s What You Can Do When Being Harassed

No one deserves to be harassed, whether it’s online or in person. Unfortunately, harassment is a reality for many people, especially women. If you’re being harassed, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and make the situation better. Here are some things you can do if you’re being harassed: 

File A Cease And Desist Letter

When you are being harassed, it can be difficult to know what to do. One option is to file a cease and desist letter. This is a legal document that tells the person harassing you to stop their behavior. Cease and desist letters can be effective in stopping harassment, but they should be used as a last resort. Before you file a harassment cease and desist letter, you should first try to resolve the issue with the person harassing you. If you have a good relationship with the person, you can try talking with them about their behavior and ask them to stop. If you don’t have a good relationship with the person, or if talking to them doesn’t work, then filing a cease and desist letter may be your best option. 

Cease and desist letters must be specific about the behavior that is being complained about. They should also include a threat of legal action if the behavior does not stop. Once the letter is sent, the person receiving it must stop the specified behavior or they could face legal consequences.

Get Help From An Attorney

Second, consider getting legal assistance. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court if necessary. Similarly, if you are being harassed online, an attorney can also help you take steps to remove the harassment from your internet presence. If you are being harassed at work, an attorney can help you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or take other legal action.

Tell Someone You Trust

If you’re being harassed, one of the best things you can do is tell someone you trust. This can be a friend, family member, coworker, or even a hotline. Telling someone about the harassment can help you feel supported and can also help create a safety plan. If you’re not sure who to tell, consider talking to a counselor or therapist. They can provide support and help you figure out the best way to deal with the situation.

Document What’s Happening To You

Being harassed can be a very confusing and overwhelming experience. It’s important to document what’s happening to you so that you can better understand what’s going on and figure out how to best deal with the situation. Keep a written record of all incidents of harassment, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses. If possible, take screenshots or save emails, text messages, or social media posts that document the harassment. This documentation can be vital if you decide to take legal action against your harasser. 

Similarly, it’s also essential to keep track of how the harassment is affecting you emotionally. Note down how you’re feeling after each incident and whether it’s impacting your work or social life. This documentation can help you show the severity of the harassment and how it’s affecting your day-to-day life.

Get Professional Help

There are many therapists and counselors who specialize in helping people who are being harassed. If you decide to go to therapy or counseling, make sure to find a therapist or counselor who you feel comfortable with. 

Rely On Your Loved Ones For Support

When you are being harassed, it is important to rely on your loved ones for support. They can provide you with the emotional and physical support you need to get through this difficult time. Here are some things they can do:

Listen to you: Your loved ones can provide a listening ear when you need to talk about what is happening.

Believe you: They can offer support and validation when you feel like no one else believes you.

Stand up for you: If the harassment is happening in person, they can stand up for you and help defend you.

Protect your privacy: If harassment is happening online, they can help protect your privacy by not sharing your information with others.

Help you take action: Your loved ones can help you take action against the harassment by supporting you through the process and helping to gather evidence.

If you’re being harassed, it’s important to take the necessary steps to make the situation better. By following the advice in this article, you can get the legal and emotional help that you deserve.