Discussions

I work for a big sales company as a sales associate and I was sexually assaulted after a work event, a formal investigation was launched and my allegations were founded as I have irrefutable proof. They no longer work at my location.  
 
Now the issue I'm having is with my manager. Who, not hours after I told her what happened the morning after the assault, proceeded to go to other businesses and claim I was upset over a racist joke that had taken place and then victim blamed me. I didn't want to work with them, for obvious reasons, and I was forced to work with one of the people involved until days later - after I went to the police - I was contacted by my companies hr team etc.  
 
This happened right before Covid happened, and I haven't been back at work since January. In the resolution, it was decided that I would have mediation with them. The type of work I do, we are sales and are all in one room for the whole shift. I just don't understand how they can expect me to trust and work with someone who blatantly slandered my name and has been continually doing throughout. How can I ever trust them to have my back? How can I confide in them ever again? And if they're telling other stores things like this, I can only imagine what has happened at my store. I just don't see how that can work, and I'm set to go back soon. I’m so afraid and anxious.  
 
Am I being unreasonable by feeling like mediation won't be effective? And there needs to be a different resolution that I will feel safe and comfortable in? This is the only option they've given me.  
 
Edited by westmangirl42, 2020-05-21 10:41:41

But it sounds like you need to have this manager brought up on charges if they have breached a confidential agreement or violated a private matter.  
 
At the very least, contact the labour board for advice. You should not be working there any longer and you may have grounds for severance as well as this company is not protecting your privacy. But again, I am not a lawyer.  
 
If what you are saying is true, this manager is in the wrong but it may be a matter of he said/she said. I would definitely call MB Labour ASAP.

I know what everyone is going to tell you. I suspect that you do too, so you're asking in order to drum up support for what you already want to do.  
 
It is highly unlikely that you will find anyone here that knows the truth of the matter, we all only have what you've said here. If you truly need advice, you should ask someone that knows the facts.  
 
The only advice I can give is to do what you obviously want to do.

Sorry to hear of your unfortunate situation. In addition to your trust being broken with this manager/supervisor, I think you are indicating your trust may be broken with the company as well. Everyone has to set their own boundary as to when trust is beyond repair and act accordingly. Good luck in your decisions and remember your definition of fair might not always align with what HR defines fair as.

I’ve worked in a place where Psychological harassment was and still is the norm. It was my dream job but between the Administrator and the enjoyment she had as using staff as puppets literally made me sick! The changeover in staff is ongoing because of the toxic work environment!  
 
I wish you the best and stay strong enough to fight for your rights!!

It sounds like you work for a large company. You can speak with a human resources officer confidentially. Their job is to determine a solution for this situation.

and not do anything about the people that are causing you to be uncomfortable. Certain steps were taken but I was at the losing end as HR were involved and I was threatened by them to "drop it or face the consequences". I never did anything about that either. The only nice part about it was that I had many people on my side. And, I understand this is still going on!!! But, I can walk with my head held high!!  
 
Edited by Marcom19, 2020-05-21 13:57:27

about what happened to you. That is horrible and you don’t deserve it. Odd it isn’t being mentioned since it’s a very serious thing to have survived. I hope that you are taking steps to look after you mental health.  
 
Secondly: that manager should be fired. Taking something like that outside of the business is not normal, but the victim blaming is disgusting and should be punished to the fullest extent.  
 
Mediation sounds like manipulation on their part. Have you spoken to a lawyer? Someone else here mentioned it but it sounds like there are multiple aspects in which a lawyer could prove useful.