West Virginia Sexual Harassment Resources For Women: From Reporting To Resolution
Sexual harassment at work can shake your confidence, threaten your livelihood and make you dread walking into your job. If this is happening to you, you deserve protection, dignity and a clear path forward.
At Bouchillon Crossan & Colburn, L.C., one of our attorneys, Amy C. Crossan, has spent more than 25 years standing up for West Virginia women who have been harassed, intimidated or pushed out of their careers. Many women choose Amy because she understands how frightening, isolating and career-altering these situations can feel – and because she knows how to take on employers who refuse to follow the law.
What Counts As Sexual Harassment In West Virginia?
Sexual harassment is illegal under both federal law and West Virginia law. It generally falls into two main categories:
- Quid pro quo harassment: This occurs when a supervisor or someone with authority demands sexual attention in exchange for job benefits, such as promotions, assignments, raises or even job security
- Hostile work environment: This is an environment in which unwanted sexual comments, touching, messages, jokes and intimidation become severe or pervasive enough to interfere with your work. It can come from supervisors, co-workers, customers, patients, and even students and staff in university or health care settings.
If the behavior is unwelcome and affects your work, it may qualify as harassment.
Who Should You Tell And When?
Deciding where to report sexual harassment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to protect your job, your safety and your future. Here are the main reporting paths available to you in West Virginia:
- Your employer or HR department: Many workplaces, including hospitals, retail stores, restaurants and universities, require internal reporting. This can lead to quick action, create documentation and sometimes resolve the issue.
- West Virginia Human Rights Commission (WVHRC): This organization manages violations under state discrimination laws. You generally have 365 days from the date of the harassment to file.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): This agency handles federal discrimination claims. Filing deadlines are typically 180 days but can be extended to 300 days when state law also applies.
The right choice depends on your safety, your employer’s history and how much control you feel you have in the situation. Speaking with an experienced attorney early can help you choose the path that best protects you.
Internal Vs. External Reporting
Not every woman feels safe reporting at work, especially when the harasser is a supervisor or beloved manager. An external report may offer more protection, privacy and leverage. Internal reports, on the other hand, can create a strong record of what happened.
Amy often helps clients map out the best strategy, based on the following circumstances:
- The power dynamics involved
- Whether retaliation seems likely
- Whether HR has a history of ignoring complaints
- How urgent the situation is
An experienced sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand the risks, the protections available and the strategy that can give you the greatest chance of being heard and taken seriously.
Potential Evidence For Your Claim
Even if you are unsure whether you will file a claim, start preserving evidence now. Useful proof typically includes the following:
- Text messages, emails and social media messages
- Photos or screenshots of comments or behavior
- A journal describing dates, times, what happened and who saw it
- Co-workers who witnessed the behavior or who experienced similar treatment
You do not need perfect evidence to come forward. Most cases involve a mix of documentation, testimony and credibility, which is something our attorneys are highly skilled at building.
What Happens After You File A Complaint?
Once you file a complaint with HR, the EEOC or the WVHRC, your case will likely move through several stages:
- Investigation: The agency or employer reviews your complaint, interviews witnesses, collects documents and examines the evidence.
- Mediation or conciliation: Many agencies offer an early opportunity to resolve the case confidentially. This can include compensation, policy changes or other remedies without going to court.
- Right-to-sue letter: If the agency cannot resolve the matter or chooses not to pursue enforcement, you will receive formal permission to file a lawsuit in court.
- Lawsuit: Your attorney will build your case by gathering records, taking depositions, consulting experts and negotiating with the employer. Many cases settle, while others move forward to a hearing or trial.
Throughout each stage, our employment law attorney, Amy, will protect your rights, keep you informed and make sure that you understand every step. You will never have to face this process alone.
Why So Many Women Choose Attorney Amy Crossan
Women turn to Amy because she is:
- A female lawyer with over 25 years of experience advocating for mistreated workers
- Highly experienced in sexual harassment, gender discrimination and retaliation cases
- Known for compassion, clarity and honest guidance
- A fearless litigator who is not intimidated by powerful employers
- Committed to the firm’s core principle: equal justice under the law
She listens, believes her clients and fights relentlessly for their rights.
Your Questions About Sexual Harassment, Answered
If you’re considering coming forward, you likely have questions about what you need to do and what protections exist. The following answers can help you understand the basics before you take your next step.
Do I have to report to HR first?
No. Internal reporting can help, but the law does not require it in every situation. If reporting to HR feels unsafe or the harasser is your supervisor, speak with an attorney first.
How long do I have to file in West Virginia?
You typically have 365 days to file with the WVHRC and 180 to 300 days to file with the EEOC, depending on the circumstances.
Can I stay anonymous when reporting?
You can often seek confidential advice first, but formal complaints generally require your name. Your attorney can help protect your privacy and shield you from retaliation.
Every situation is unique. If you are unsure how these rules apply to your circumstances, speaking with an experienced attorney can give you clarity and help you protect yourself moving forward.
Take The First Step Toward Justice
If you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, you deserve someone who will stand firmly in your corner. Amy has spent nearly three decades helping West Virginia women navigate these situations with dignity and strength.
Contact Bouchillon Crossan & Colburn, L.C., to speak with Amy and get the support you need to move forward. Call us at 304-521-4636 or use our online form to get started. Your conversation with Amy will be confidential.