Sexual Assault My Cowerker Triggered Me So Badly

[Ariane]

Two of my coworkers, T (who's a good friend of mine and knows about some of the trauma I've gone through) and K (who's new to the store and has given me a bad vibe since day one) were having a debate about animal testing in the break room before we all clock in. T thinks that having people on death row get tested is better than animals getting tested. K said that child molesters shouldn't because most girls cry wolf. T went off on him and I immediately shut down so I don't have a panic attack at work. K then implies that these little girls (completely ignorant that boys also go through this trauma too) asked for. That children get raped because they asked for it. Nobody asks for it. Ever. Much less children. I panicked so bad. I couldn't be around him, I couldn't deal with it. My store manager was informed and K was told to stay away from me. Everyone in the store backs me up and it's nice to know that I've got that support in my workplace.

It's greatly upsets me that K said that however. I know there are people in this world like that, and a lot of them. But I never thought i would meet one of them. I never thought I would have to see them on a day to day basis. This is disconcerting and I'm still very anxious from it all happening. I know I'll be having nightmares if I actually manage to fall asleep. :(

 

[twinkle30]

People who stay stuff like that are generally abusers themselves. Just like people who say, "oh who gives a crap about that lion Cecil" generally are the people hurting animals themselves. His thoughts and opinions are not what normal healthy people think so just keep telling yourself he is just a whack job and I should give him no mind. Although I would consider reporting him for his comments.

 

[BlueDream]

Hopefully he will get the cold shoulder form your fellow co-workers and decided that job is not for him.
What a pos!!!!

 

[twinkle30]

Amen Blue and also cute dog.

 

[Ariane]

Thank you both. Yeah, the manager spoke with him. It's only his second week so he probably won't even make it past 90 days.

 

[Fadeaway]

@twinkle86 Exactly. What @Ariane said that he said reminded me so much of what my abuser said when he told me about his first victim. The most horrific part was that he genuinely believed what he was saying.

I wonder if what he said could be considered sexual harassment? I would assume if he said anything like that again it would be and grounds for immediate termination. I am glad that your employer is supportive, but I am so sorry you had to hear that.

 

[Ariane]

I think because it was off the clock and not directed at anyone, it's not considered sexual harassment but I'll double check the employee handbook tomorrow morning. @Fadeaway im sorry you had to go through that as well :(