What You Should Know Before Making a Bullying and Harassment Claim
Getting bullied and harassed can be a difficult and stressful time in life. Sometimes you may fear what will happen if you make a claim, or you may not even know where to start.
While making a bullying and harassment claim can be difficult, but it is not impossible. The experienced team of lawyers is ready to stand up for the victims of bullying and harassment at work. That is why New York sexual harassment training courses are mandatory for employees.
What Are the Different Forms of Bullying?
Verbal Abuse
Verbal bullying is name-calling, mocking, and hurtful comments. Verbal abuse can be highly damaging to a person’s psyche. It can make them feel like they are not good enough and worthless. This type of abuse can also lead to physical abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical bullying is when the abuser physically assaults and injures the victim. Examples are hitting, kicking, punching, pushing, or violently shoving someone.
Social Abuse
Social bullying occurs when the bully spreads rumors, gossip, and indicates that they dislike someone.
Cyber Abuse
Cyberbullying is when bullying occurs online or through electronic devices. Abuse of this nature can be quite harmful as it often leads to feelings of isolation and exclusion.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual bullying is unwanted physical or verbal sexual advances. This type of abuse is quite damaging and often leads to long-term mental health issues, or you are excluding them from meetings and events.
Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying is when the employer harasses and mistreats their staff. An example of this would be a manager who bullies workers by picking on them, isolating them from work activities, or withholding information.
What Are the Indications That Someone May Be Experiencing Bullying?
It can be challenging to tell if someone is getting bullied, but there are some common warning signs:
- Unexplained bruising or cuts
- Torn clothes
- Frequent headaches, stomach aches, and other complaints
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Shyness or reluctance to go to school
- Sudden changes in eating habits
- Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
Sometimes, victims can fear reporting bullying because they fear that doing so will worsen it. However, it is a big concern and should not stop you from taking steps to achieve justice. Victims must report bullying as early as possible so that the behavior does not escalate.
How Can You Make a Bullying and Harassment Claim?
If you believe that you are a victim of bullying and harassment, it is crucial to seek legal support. The lawyers are trained to ensure that the victims receive the justice they deserve.
The professional bullying and harassment lawyers can help you make a claim for compensation, which could include:
- A letter of apology
- Medical bills paid
- Money for pain and suffering
If you are being harassed or bullied at the workplace because of your sex, age, race, or disability, you should check the Employment Tribunal. It will help you to know about the grounds for a claim. You can also speak with your Acas early conciliation representative and contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS).
Lastly, if you want to file a claim for bullying and harassment, it is crucial to seek legal advice. An employment lawyer will assist you in determining if you have grounds for a suit and guide you through the process. It is all about standing up for your rights and moving forward with a fresh start.