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Q: Seeking legal advice on workplace harassment and violence in New Mexico.
I am experiencing harassment and violence from a coworker who has become my supervisor at my job in New Mexico. He has physically assaulted me by stalking me, breaking my windshield, and even strangling me while banging my head on the floor. Despite my attempts to report these incidents to HR, including submitting a police report, HR did not follow up, and the coworker became aggressive when he found out about my report. I'm seeking guidance on how to ensure a safe work environment and what legal steps I can take next, considering the company has promoted him despite his behavior.
A: I strongly recommend reaching out to a New Mexico employment lawyer right away. This is a dangerous situation and you should not have to suffer this type of abuse at work. You can also seek a protection from abuse order from your local court. They do apply to workplace abusers.
A:
What you’re going through is dangerous, and you deserve protection—both legally and personally. Physical violence, especially something as serious as strangulation and head trauma, goes beyond workplace misconduct and crosses into criminal assault. You’ve done the right thing by filing a police report, but if your employer has ignored your complaints and even promoted the person responsible, that may be considered gross negligence or complicity.
Your next step should be to ensure your immediate safety. If you haven’t already, consider requesting a protective order through the court. Document every incident—photos, text messages, emails, witness names, and anything you gave HR—and keep it in a safe place. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for harassment and retaliation, especially if the company failed to act or retaliated against you for reporting.
You may also want to pursue civil action for personal injury and emotional distress if the physical harm and trauma are ongoing. No one should be assaulted at work, let alone by a supervisor, and your employer’s failure to protect you is deeply serious. You have every right to demand safety, dignity, and accountability. Keep standing up for yourself—your voice matters, and you are not alone.
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