If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in the workplace you know it can take a significant toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Fortunately, many states like Maryland have taken steps to provide sexual harassment resources for victims. You can access resources ranging from career advice to programs that address emotional issues.
If you want to file a sexual harassment claim against your employer talking to a lawyer that specializes in workplace discrimination and sexual harassment can help you understand your options and how to build a strong claim.
Administrative Resources
You have the right to file a sexual harassment claim with the State of Maryland and the federally run Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
If you file a claim with the State of Maryland, you will need to send your claim and all supporting documentation to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. The MCCR and EEOC have established a work-sharing agreement, which means that filing a claim with one of the government agencies automatically goes to the second government agency.
Filing a sexual harassment claim with the MCCR is the best choice if your employer only has a few employees, because the MCCR covers companies that employ a minimum of one worker. The EEOC handles sexual harassment complaints from employees who work for businesses that have at least 15 employees.
Filing a sexual harassment claim requires you to submit paperwork to one of the following offices.
- Baltimore MCCR (main office) William Donald Schaefer Tower
- 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 900
- Baltimore, MD 21202-1631
- Phone: (410) 767-8600
- Fax: (410) 333-1841
OR
- EEOC-Baltimore Field Office
- George H. Fallon Federal Building
- 31 Hopkins Plaza, Suite 1432
- Baltimore, MD 21201
- Phone: (800) 669-4000
- https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Intake.aspx
- Providing direct emotional support
- Obtaining the names of sexual harassment resources operating in Maryland and throughout the state.
- Connecting victims with local resources that help victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment include law enforcement, legal services, and medical facilities.
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
- PreventConnect
Emergency Resources for Victims
If you need emergency help as a result of the sexual harassment you’ve experience you should first call 911 to activate your area’s emergency law enforcement response system.
When detectives arrive at your workplace they will start gathering physical evidence, interviewing witnesses to the crime, and creating an official police report. Ask for a copy of the report and make sure they give you a copy, you will need it for your claim.
If you suffered any injuries due to the sex crime, you should seek medical care at the nearest hospital to receive emergency medical services.
Contacting a lawyer gives you access to one of the most important sexual harassment resources. You have the right to file a criminal complaint against the assailant, which requires the legal support of a victim advocate lawyer.
Emotional Support Resources
The state of Maryland offers emotional support resources to victims of sexual harassment if they are having a difficult time coping with the sexual harassment they endured.
The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) has helped thousands of sex crime survivors and their families move on with their lives by providing emotional support for victims. The MCASA can help victims by:
You can also find support from national groups that provide emotional support and resources for victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment like:
The Maryland Helpline, which provides emotional support services 24 hours a day, every day of the year, supports workers who experience a sex crime in the workplace. Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 for immediate emotional support provided by a highly trained crisis counselor.
Get Support Today
Victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment often face a lot of emotional struggles. If this has happened to you, it's important to take action. One of the best steps you can take is to reach out for help from a trusted sexual harassment resource.
You can start by filling out a free evaluation form to get in touch with an employment lawyer. An attorney will look at your information and help figure out the next steps for your case.