Sexual harassment in the workplace is very common; yes, frighteningly common. Many women experience it and suffer in silence for reasons of their own. But victims of sexual harassment in the workplace needn’t be afraid. They can take legal action and fight the injustice done to them.
Here are some questions and their answers to help you understand more about sexual harassment in the workplace and laws regarding it.
What constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace?
Any action in the workplace that pertains to unwanted sexual advances from one co-worker/boss to another is sexual harassment. The action can be physical, verbal, or visual. Sexual insults, sexual acts, sexual favors, lewd jokes, leering, and sexual gestures all constitute sexual harassment in the workplace. Laws differ from state to state. For instance, California laws may be different from other state or even federal laws.
Reach out to sexual harassment in the workplace lawyer in case you are not sure about the laws in your state.
What does the law say if the person harassing another is of the same sex as the victim?
Even if the person harassing you is of the same gender as you, it still qualifies as sexual harassment. If you are confused about how to go about such situations, sexual harassment in the workplace lawyer can help you.
What if you witness a co-worker or supervisor harassing another worker?
Even if you have not experienced sexual harassment directly, you may still have a case. If you feel the situation is unique and makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, reach out to a good lawyer.
Sexual harassment in the workplace lawyer can evaluate your case and offer you the right counsel. If your case has merit, you may be able to sue your employer.
Does sexual harassment need to be severe or prolonged for taking any legal action?
Not. Even a single case of sexual harassment is sufficient for you to take legal action. Even if just a remark that was directed at you and was in violation of the law, you can take legal action against your employer.
What happens if the employer refuses to take action despite a filed complaint?
If you complained to your boss or employer about your sexual harassment experience and they failed to do the appropriate thing, you can take legal action. You may even file additional charges against your employer if they didn’t prevent sexual harassment or take the right action against the perpetrator.
What is a hostile work/office environment?
The victim’s experience related to sexual harassment may result in a hostile work/office environment. The harasser may repeatedly pass lewd comments and make unwanted sexual advances or jokes; causing the victim to become fearful. It may impact the victim’s work and well-being. Sexual assault or rape in the workplace may also make it impossible for the victims to work optimally.
What is quid pro quo as pertaining to sexual harassment?
Managers or the employer may force an employee to indulge in sexual acts or grant them sexual favors in lieu of job security or deserving promotions. Not complying with it may result in the employee losing the job.
Many victims may even fear the loss of reputation if such a threat was made to them by the harasser. A powerful employer may malign the victims’ reputation if she refused to go through with any sexual act in lieu of a benefit.
Is taking legal action against the harasser feasible?
Yes. It is feasible. Hire good sexual harassment in the workplace lawyer and take the right legal action against the harasser. Women often do not come forward as they fear retaliation or loss of reputation. But with a good lawyer to fight their case, women need not be afraid to do what is right.
File a complaint with HR or the employer about the sexual harassment. If they take no action then reach out to sexual harassment in the workplace lawyer. State your case and share with the lawyer complete details about the matter. Your lawyer will guide you about the next steps to take.
