alt Hacker NewsIf the story is as presented, that's a shame and I'm sorry that happened to you.
That said, it's really a story of doing the wrong thing at nearly every turn. Why date someone on your team, you admit you knew better.
HR is not your friend or there to help you, they are there to protect the company from litigation. A coworker being short is not going to raise any flags. Her claims of harassment, in a company known for it, absolutely is - regardless of whether it's actually true or not.
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Dating people at work is very common.
I definitely agree that HR is not your friend and not there to help you. Once they contact you about a complaint, your first move should be to get an employment lawyer. That lawyer will help you document everything and respond to situations (especially in the case where coworker contacts you again). You will still be terminated by the company, but getting the lawyer involved early will get you a severance package instead of terminated for cause.
> Why date someone on your team
Because I am there all day every day.
For clarity, we did not date. It was a "one-off" instance where she invited me out and then changed her mind shortly after. The events that had me get my manager / HR involved were months after the fact.