Your reputation at the workplace is precious, and losing it can be traumatizing. Things can be even more daunting if someone accuses you of a serious crime such as sexual assault. The worst part about such allegations is that the sympathy is almost always with women. It gets hard to prove your innocence, no matter how genuine your arguments are. Your reputation and career go on the line when you face a sexual assault allegation. Defending yourself and proving the falsehood of the claim should be your top priority. You need to take a strategic approach to protect yourself from the charges and come out clean. Here are some tips on dealing with sexual assault accusations at the workplace.

Stay calm

Although assault entrapment is a serious issue, you must stay calm when accused. Feeling angry and upset is natural when someone tries to tarnish your reputation at the workplace. But showing your emotions is the worst way to handle the situation. Being a professional, you must navigate the most challenging problems with grace and dignity. Avoid retaliating, and talk to your HR manager instead. Narrate your side of the story honestly. Your HR investigator will probably take a neutral approach, so trust the process. If you have been in the organization with years of clean record, they will have good reasons to believe you. 

Cooperate with the investigative process

Every organization has a policy to deal with sexual crimes and charges within itself. Besides being calm while dealing with the false claim, you must cooperate with the investigative process. Ensure it even if you are innocent because your company will carry out the necessary investigations according to the policy. Not cooperating will put you in a bad light, and investigators may even assume your guilt. If someone wants to frame you, they will do their best to drag you down. But cooperating with the investigators enables you to stand up for yourself. It also indicates that you do not have anything to hide, no matter how heinous the accusation is. 

Connect with a sex crime lawyer

While your company will have an internal policy, you can expect the case to go to court. Assault is a serious matter, and even the slightest suspicion can give your managers a reason to call for litigation. You should look for a seasoned sex crimes attorney for hire to represent your case and prove your innocence. Having a specialist handling your defense gives you peace of mind as they can guide you about your police statement and court testimonies. They can also help you gather evidence to prove the fallacy of the allegation. Do not skimp on hiring a lawyer even if you are innocent because the complainant can always frame you. 

Gather your witnesses

When it comes to building your defense against an accusation as serious as sexual assault, witnesses can be crucial. If a co-worker was around during the incident, get them to testify in your favor. Convincing a third person to speak up for you can be a challenge. But it can save you from the trauma and loss of reputation. Look for people who are ready to testify in court and connect them with your lawyer. Besides eyewitnesses, you can also get colleagues to vouch for your integrity and good conduct. The more witnesses you can bring, the stronger your defense becomes. 

Never try to hide

The worst way to deal with a sexual assault accusation at the workplace is by hiding away. Slipping off the radar sounds tempting, but it will only spark suspicion about the guilt. The investigation process is uncomfortable, and the court case can be even more stressful. But it is crucial to be truthful and face the world with courage. If you are innocent, there is no reason to hide your face. Go about your duties at the workplace unless the management takes disciplinary action against you. Also, keep up your work ethic and standard. The last thing you should do is give up during the tough time because it will only make the accuser stronger. 

Facing a false sexual assault charge at your workplace is an unusual situation, but you must handle it with courage, honesty, and dignity. Do your best to prove your innocence to your managers. However, be aware that it may not be enough. You must find an expert sex crime lawyer to represent you because you will surely need one down the line. Your career and reputation are at stake, and you must do everything possible to salvage them.