Sex Discrimination, Retaliation, And Ptsd

[PTSDMD]

Recently I experienced sex discrimination/harassment/hostile work environment, and reported the problem to management. While it took management almost 4 weeks to finally get back in touch with me to finally indicate that they found no form of harassment taking place, my supervisor wrote me up two weeks after my initial harassment claim for not apologizing to the harasser as well as lied in the write up that I lost revenue for the business given a situation that was out of my control. I have all the documentation to prove that no revenue was lost nor could I control the situation.

He also verbally threatened my job. Clearly my supervisor is a coward, a wimp, and has no back bone. His only interest is to save face and look good to his superiors. I know I did the RIGHT THING by not stooping down to the level of having to apologize. I reported the retaliation to the company and since then have not heard back from the company. Currently, I am on FMLA as well as seeking therapy for my pain and suffering. I have put a claim to EEOC and they feel that I have enough of a case to do an investigation. I should know within a day whether the company wants to mediate/settle or not. I have indicated that I would like to mediate as I am seeking a quick resolution.

Ultimately, I would like a severance agreement with some punitive compensation for the pain and suffering that I have experienced for the last 3 months. The company may not want to settle and mediate and have me return to work. In that scenario, EEOC will continue to do the investigation. If any wrong doing is confirmed, EEOC will either represent me in court or provide me with a Right to Sue note so I can get an attorney and sue. I can also get a Right To Sue letter now and accelerate the court process. My question to everyone who has PTSD, what would you advise if the company does not want to mediate and I ultimately has me go back to work.

I am seeking therapy, but am not getting firm advice from my therapist on how to handle this situation. I cannot face my supervisor and look him in the eye as I have NO RESPECT for him. All creditability has been lost, and I recognize what an SOB he really is. Whether he intentionally did this on malice intent or not, the fact remains he is a very stupid human being. Should I file for an ADA in the meantime to stall out the process and to make it harder for these bastards? Any advice on how to proceed is appreciated.

 

[PTSDMD]

Based on the information that I mentioned, I also have been diagnosed with PTSD as well as general anxiety and depression. This event triggered an episode, and I am fearful to return to work. How would one handle getting through this type of episode particularly if it is involving your direct supervisor. Do you reveal that you have PTSD to your employment? What kind of accommodations would you recommend particular if the problem is coming from the supervisor? Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Grace11]

I'd be happy to point you to sources when I can (tomorrow, probably) if you are in the U.S. I practiced employment law for several years. I cannot give you advice due to ethical constraints, but can give you information....PM me if you'd like me to send you links.

Editing to add: filing a charge is typically very time sensitive (in many situations, within 90 days from the "adverse" incident, 180 to 300 in "dual filing" states if I remember correctly, but I'd need to look the state law up...something to keep in mind).

 

[Reclusive]

My supervisor was a liar and a manipulator, so I left the company. I wish I had followed the path that you're on, so this post is basically a 'go you!' post. Good for you for standing up for yourself!

 

[J.C.]

Do you reveal that you have PTSD to your employment?

PTSDMD,

Hello and welcome to the forum.

For me, at my last two employers, disclosing my disorder of PTSD worked against me. It's very sensitive personal information. Some people (The one's I have encountered in the past seven years) can handle confidential sensitive informational and some can not.

I don't want to alarm you, they could take you're info and twist it and use it against you. I am only speaking from my experiences.

I will never disclose this secret (My mental health issues PTSD & TBI) to future employers, or employees. I am also learning it's unwise to disclose to most people on the planet. This forum or with mental health care professionals is the only place I discuss the subject.

Don't let anyone know that you have "it" if you don't want to be used for it. Just sharing my thoughts.

-JC

 

[Sasha]

I'm so sorry to hear that you are dealing with this. It's a terrible thing to deal with. I had an ongoing situation over the last couple of years, which initially triggered ptsd symptoms. I had never sought treatment for the earlier traumas and the work situations opened pandoras box. It's so good to hear that you immediately dealt with it by filing all the correct paperwork, regardless of your supervisors opinion. It's a battle of your self esteem, fear, anxiety, shame, and all types of pent up emotions and can be very triggering. I've been dealing with it for 2 years, been through so many channels, but never the EEOC. So glad to hear you did.

I disclosed my diagnosis to my supervisors as a last resort to let them know the seriousness of my situation. Did it help, probably not in achieving a different result. But, my direct supervisors lent a supportive ear and seemed lenient about my time off. At first I felt humiliated by revealing my diagnosis, but now, I don't care. I'm a good worker. I haven't talked about it other than to disclose, and they don't treat me any different. In that case, I've been lucky. But, as for the handling of the situation as a whole, very unlucky. I've grown so much in therapy, I'm 2 years into it and am in partial remission.

Please let us know how you are doing, as I will be thinking of you since I understand all too well your anxiety.

 

[Heather]

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this too. About 12 years I was waitressing and experienced the same thing. It was HORRENDOUS. Restaurants are notorious for sexual harrassment.

Which is pretty sad that you have to worry about going into the "back of the house" and not being groped by some slime ball. The dishwasher said I had some sauce on my shirt and pretended like he was going to wipe it off. Instead he ended up grabbing my breast. I was horrified. Then another incident one of the cooks held a sausage between his legs and was shaking it back and fourth. It was awful.

Long story short. The atmosphere became very hostile when the dishwasher was fired because he groped me. I ended up quitting. I then sued them. I think I won my case because I had other waitresses that worked there back-up my story. They also told my attorney's that they too had been sexually harrassed/assaulted.

I was awarded 15,000.00. So, pleases don't feel you're alone. Justice does prevail.....sometimes.

Hugs. Take care. Heather

 

[PTSDMD]

My supervisor was a liar and a manipulator, so I left the company. I wish I had followed the path that you're on, so this post is basically a 'go you!' post. Good for you for standing up for yourself!

Thanks for the endorsement.

 

[Powder]

PTSDMD,

Don't let anyone know that you have "it" if you don't want to be used for it. Just sharing my thoughts.

-JC

I am not experienced in which employers can and can't view your medical records. For example, high clearance and law enforcement jobs seem to be able to view everything or nearly everything about you. However, union jobs, not so much.