Q I am a high school student with parents who helped me find a good part-time job. However, someone at work has been coming on to me. It scares me and I don’t know what to do.
A What you are experiencing is likely a crime being perpetrated against you. The first thing you should do is document specific incidents: date, time, where, and what happened exactly. Keep a careful and honest record. Evaluate for yourself whether this is truly harassment and not just teasing. Your own fear and/or worry are good guides, and your documentation will provide a reality check. Do not confront the person directly, since doing so might not be safe for you.
Once you have good documentation, confide in a trusted adult who will help you file a police report. Every citizen in our democratic countries (both in the U.S. and Canada) has a responsibility to report and a right to receive police protection when a crime is occurring.
It is important to remember that when you do the right thing (document your experience and report to the police), it is not only beneficial for you, but when justice is served it also stops the abusive behavior of the person who harassed you. This also gives him or her the opportunity for repentance and change.
By bringing to light what by nature wants to stay hidden, you are helping to reveal the truth of Christ, which brings new freedom to all involved.
About the Author
Judy Cook is a family therapist and a member of Meadowlands Fellowship CRC in Ancaster, Ontario.
