If you are experiencing harassment or discrimination at work, it can be difficult to know what to do, and it’s easy to feel alone and without support. There are many resources available to you, however, and many steps you can take.
Learn more about harassment and discrimination
If you’re experiencing problematic behavior and work and you want to know more about what your rights are under the law, you can learn more on our Types of Workplace Discrimination that are Illegal in Vermont page.
Get emotional support
People who have been exposed to incidents of work-related harassment can have a range of responses and emotions triggered. Their reactions and feelings about situations can also change over time. Many people feel pressure or need to mask their feelings when they are in the workplace. The demand to keep working and suppress reactions to instances of harassment in the workplace can make the difficulties they are experiencing feel even worse.
You may find it helpful to talk to someone such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a medical or mental health professional, an attorney, a spiritual advisor, a family member, or a friend.
Contact organizations that provide support
- VCW’s Employment Rights Resources Page
- The Vermont Attorney General’s Office can provide information about the discrimination complaint process, their investigations, and your legal rights - for all Vermont employees except State of Vermont employees
- The Vermont Human Rights Commission can provide information about the discrimination complaint process, their investigations, and your legal rights - for all employees employed by the State of Vermont
- The Vermont Bar Association has a Vermont Lawyer Referral Service that can connect you with an employment attorney in Vermont. Through this free service, you can receive a half-hour office consultation with a licensed attorney, either at no cost or for a reduced fee of $25.00
- Workplace Fairness is a national non-profit organization that provides online information about workers’ rights throughout the U.S., including Vermont
- The Vermont Victim Services Resources Directory, U.S. Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office, 2019 Edition
For sexual harassment:
- The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
- The Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services
- Better Brave is a national non-profit organization with online support and helpful resources for targets of workplace sexual harassment
- RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
For help requesting a reasonable accommodation or for coping with discrimination based on disability:
- Disability Rights Vermont provides support, information, and referrals for individuals experiencing disability discrimination in employment. DRVT can provide legal advocacy and legal representation to individuals in some limited instances
- Vermont Center for Independent Living provides information, referrals and assistance to Vermonters with disabilities
- Green Mountain Self-Advocates is a Vermont group of people with disabilities that provides peer support and resources
- Vermont Psychiatric Survivors is a Vermont non-profit offering peer support groups, advocacy, and education around psychiatric coercion, oppression, and discrimination
- Job Accommodation Network is a national organization that works with individuals to understand their rights under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act; learn the benefits of requesting accommodations from their employer or potential employer; pinpoint specific accommodation and accessibility options to enhance their on-the-job success; and identify other government resources and placement agencies that can help them find jobs or succeed in their current work environments
Consider reporting
For more detailed information about reporting harassment or discrimination, visit Reporting Harassment or Discrimination at Work
The Vermont Attorney General’s Office
The Vermont Human Rights Commission