Asking for harassment help is a good first step in discouraging or stopping harassment. Sources of harassment help are numerous and depend on the type and scope of harassment experienced by the victim. In general, it is a good idea for victims of harassment to approach the management or ownership of the venue in which the harassment is taking place and ask them to take action against the harasser. Other options include working with law enforcement and seeking the assistance of social service and public advocacy groups.
Harassment can occur in various contexts, some of which may have systems and processes in place for dealing with harassment. For example, if a person needs harassment help in the workplace, he may be able to work with the human resources department to address the situation. Other employers may have a different policy for dealing with harassment that may include approaching a supervisor and asking for assistance. Depending on the type of harassment, labor laws may require the employer to offer harassment help to any employee who asks for it. In cases where the employer refuses to take action, the employee may be able to approach a government oversight agency for help in getting his employer to follow the pertinent laws and stop the harassment.
If the harassment takes place in a non-workplace environment or online, victims can approach the management, owners,or organizers of the venue. Unfortunately, if the harassment takes place in a private, non-employment situation, victims may have little recourse if those who are in power are reluctant to offer assistance or to restrain to harasser. Many online businesses and Internet service providers have policies that prohibit the use of their services to harass others. Online harassment can often be addressed by making a complaint to the business or Internet service and requesting that the harassment efforts be stopped.
If harassment escalates to the point where a victim or his family becomes concerned for personal safety, it may be appropriate to contact local law enforcement. If no laws have been broken, law enforcement may not be able to take action, but they may be able to advise the victim as to the law and what she needs to do to protect herself. If laws have been broken, law enforcement can assist the victim in getting a restraining order and pursuing criminal charges. Victims should also seek the help of local advocacy groups such as domestic violence shelters, which can be excellent sources of harassment help. These organizations can provide counseling and support to victims of harassment. In some cases, these organizations may also provide victims with access to a harassment lawyer who can help them secure legal protection and, in some cases, compensation for suffering caused by the harasser.
