Guest Author - Meg Meyer

Now, I'm all for hugs, pats on the back, handshakes and the like. I think a lot of the "no touching, no tolerance" rules out there remove a lot of what makes human connection... human. I envision rules where kids can't even high five each other in the hall of their schools (which is already happening, btw) leading to a world with the warmth of the "Demolition Man" movie, where we earn demerits when we stub our toe & cuss, or hold hands with a date.

However, most folks with an ounce of common sense know that some kinds of touch are inappropriate and such gestures do not belong in the workplace, school, and definitely should not happen between strangers. And that, dear readers, is what this article is about.

While I don't mind it if someone compliments my looks, if a colleague says
"nice rack" to me, he better be talking about the hardware in my office!

If you feel violated or harassed at work, don't sit quiet and take it. Women have done that for far too long. There are several laws in place that make it illegal for anyone to touch or speak to you inappropriately in the workplace, or anyplace, for that matter.

If you have the presence of mind when & if it happens, speak up - LOUDLY.


"YOU do NOT have PERMISSION to touch / speak to me in that manner. Furthermore, it's ILLEGAL and this WILL be REPORTED." As embarrassed as you might be, this is the time to make a scene. Get witnesses, even if they didn't see the incident, make sure the hear you protest.

If you happen to have your cell phone with you, try to have it recording the moment as a "memo," as to create a record, if the boss threatens your job if you tell. That is also illegal.

Any human who is not a predator will apologize, say it was an accident, or admit a genuine crush on you (inappropriate way to show it) - and it will never happen again. A predator on the other hand will likely touch or say inappropriate things again.

If your office is part of a chain or a larger corporation, you may be able to report this up the food chain. You might get snubbed. In this case, you should already have your resume out there, like, yesterday.

You may file a police report. And depending on your local precinct, it may or may not get the attention it deserves. If this is someone's first reported offense, he might just get a talking to, and nothing else. But don't ever let that stop you from filing a report. It creates a precedent for the next person assaulted by that sleaze-ball. If there are already other reports of similar accusations, it will be taken more seriously.

You may sue. If you were genuinely assaulted and traumatized to the point of deserving an award of damages, and don't mind possibly paying for a long drawn out proceeding that may not come out in your favor, get the best lawyer you can afford. Ask for proof of track record, or you might wind up stuck with "Cousin Vinny." These cases are difficult to prove in a "his word against hers" and their lawyers will try and damage your reputation to fight it.

Although, any corporation worth our business would suspend the offender while investigating and fired his rotten-rump with proof. Such a predator is a PR nightmare for the company and opens the company up for lawsuits. Not to mention damaging the perceived ethics of the reputation of the company. Whether or not they do something about it, make sure you do.

Find your area's Department of Workforce Development, which likely has guidelines online. Google Results page here. Or talk to Legal Aid in your municipality.

And finally, don't go it alone. Don't keep quiet. Tell your friends, tell your family. Speak up in our forum!

Get support. And get therapy - you will likely experience the results of trauma. There is no shame in asking for and getting help.

I hope this never happens to you, but if it does, I hope you have all the ammunition you need to get through it.