Sex discrimination covers a wide range of negative actions in your place of employment, from losing out on a promotion because of your gender to receiving unwanted sexual advances or being the target of offensive remarks of a sexual nature. You don’t have to take sexual discrimination at work. It’s prohibited under federal law and, in some cases, state law. It is wise to take action quickly for your own emotional and physical health and safety, and if you do not want to go it alone, enlist the help of an experienced attorney to protect your rights and help resolve the situation. Before you meet with your attorney, here’s what you should be prepared to discuss.

Your Accounting of the Discrimination

Your attorney will need to know exactly how you are being sexually discriminated against to determine the best course of action for your case. Discuss the specific instances of discrimination in detail, including the dates of the occurrences, the names of those involved, and the location of each discriminatory activity.

If you haven’t already, write down the instances to document the issue and collect any evidence to back your claim up. Useful documents include written proof of the discrimination, such as emails, memos, employee evaluations, etc., any reports or complaints you have already filed with the local employment departments and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and all witness accounts.

Your Employer’s Accounting of the Discrimination

Discrimination cases are rarely cut-and-dry; it is unlikely that your boss will literally tell you that your gender is why you won’t receive the training being offered to other employees. In most cases, your lawyer has to prove there is a pattern of discrimination against you. This is why your documentation and any proof you have is critical to your case.

Your employer’s accounting and documentation is crucial as well, so plan on discussing the procedures your employer already has in place to address sexual discrimination, including the steps you took to follow those procedures by filing any necessary reports and attending meetings to discuss the issue. Proving that you followed your employer’s policies to resolve the issue first strengthens your case.

Finally, be prepared to be completely honest with your attorney about all of the details surrounding your sexual harassment. Although this is a very uncomfortable situation that might require you to discuss instances of a graphic nature, you must give your attorney all of the details, including both your employer’s and your actions in all instances. Your attorney cannot adequately present your case without knowing absolutely everything.