I was an intern at a small, local business, and I was excited to have the opportunity to learn from my manager. I had heard good things about him from other interns, so I was looking forward to working with him.
End up I would soon be the subject of my manager’s unwanted advances.
It started with small things. He would comment on my appearance in an inappropriate way or make inappropriate jokes when no one else was around. I tried to ignore it, thinking I was just being overly sensitive.
But then, one day, he asked me to stay late and help him with a project. I was reluctant, but he said it was important and he didn’t want anyone else to know what we were doing.
I stayed late, and then he started making inappropriate advances towards me. I was so shocked and scared that I couldn’t move. I was frozen in place as he continued to make advances towards me. I wanted to scream and run away, but I couldn’t.
Finally, I mustered up the courage to tell him to stop. I didn’t want to make a scene, so I just said it in a firm voice.
He stopped, but he looked angry. He said that I should be grateful for the extra hours and that he was my manager and I had to do what he said.
He then stormed out of the office, leaving me alone and terrified in the dark.
I was so angry and scared that I couldn’t think straight. I knew I had to report this to someone, but I was afraid of what would happen if I did.
I decided to talk to a female friend who had a similar experience. She told me that I should definitely report it and that I should go to the HR department.
I was scared, but I knew I had to do something. I went to HR and told them what had happened. They were understanding and supportive and said that they would investigate the matter.
In the end, my manager was reprimanded and that’s it!