I Was Sexually Harassed At Work. I Didn't Report It Until He Assaulted Me.

Location: Minnesota

One day a few months ago a coworker walked in on me in the bathroom. He found that as an invitation that I was nice enough, and down to Earth enough or whatever, that he could joke about it in a flirting way. Trying to compliment me. It was uncomfortable and I got the creeps. We work in different departments and I don't see this person often. Caught in the elevator every so often. He would come and sit next to me a few times. Jokes that weren't ever too uncomfortable. Always a little flirty.

Last week was my birthday and I worked the day before. He came into my department to do work. I briefly talked to him and my birthday came up. He knew about it and the previous conversation was the first time he mentioned us drinking. I went back to my work and later on he came to sit next to me. Coworkers of mine weren't far and he mentioned tequila and us going somewhere to drink. Then as he got up he mentioned his privates being turned on. It got very uncomfortable quick and I wanted him to get away. I laugh when I want to cry. I went and found a coworker friend and hung out with her after for a minute.

He found me as I was leaving. I did not see him, as he sat in front of where others could see and grabbed my hip. I wear scrubs and it was in my pocket. I sure felt it. It caught me so off guard. I looked down and saw what had happened and who it was. I ignored it. Did not acknowledge him at all and walked out shortly after. He pursued me again as I was leaving and used a short antenna radio we use and put it very high between my legs. I turned around and looked him like WTF and obvious anger. My children were there to pick me up. I went home. I reported it to my director that evening.

I talked to both my directors. The first touch was caught on camera. It was brought to HR. He is on admin leave. My director explained that she had to remain neutral and careful how she handled this. She reassured me that she was 100% behind me and was kind. She did leave it with me worried that "It may not be the outcome everyone wants". I was also asked if I'd be comfortable working with this person again and I said no.

This is a new state to me. I've never reported a harassment before. I'm older and no one has embarrassed me at work or treated me in such a trashy way before. He has worked there longer and I want to know if I have any legal right to refuse to work with him in this state? If I don't I won't be humiliated further and I would resign. What legal action, if any, could I take then?