How can I fight a false accusation of Sexual Harassment

 

The principal legal methods of fighting against false accusations of sexual harassment are unfair dismissal and defamation of character.

A time limit for registering a case for unfair dismissal usually applies, in most US states and in most European countries.

Defamation of character, however, can occur at any time. For example, a personnel record which incorrectly accuses you of sexual harassment might be published to someone (most likely another employer) five, ten or even fifteen years after the false accusation was made. But the defamation of character occurs on the day the false information was published to another person.

It is very likely that such false accusations remain on a personnel file for many years, potentially defaming your character as long as they exist on file.

In practice you have the opportunity to collate evidence of defamation of character over the years. The key, is in knowing that it may occur, and carefully collating proof when it does occur.

In summary, three ways to contest false accusations of sexual harassment exist

  1. Within the company prior to dismissal
  2. An Unfair Dismissal case
  3. Defamation of Character

 

Last updated 18 July 2001