SEXUALLY HARASSED AT WORK? CONTACT A LOS ANGELES WORK HARASSMENT ATTORNEY TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS
While the modern-day workplace contains much more diversity and political correctness than in years past, there is still sexual harassment directed at both male and female employees. However, even though this is still prevalent in many workplaces, many of these incidents go unreported.
An EEOC study from 2016 found that almost 75% of employees sexually harassed on the job fail to file complaints with their supervisors or others. But as workplaces have evolved in recent years, so too have the various forms of sexual harassment. If you believe you have been subjected to sexual harassment on the job, do not let it continue. Instead, discuss your concerns with a LA workplace attorney at Mann & Elias.
When most people think of sexual harassment in the workplace, they typically envision women getting slapped from behind or being propositioned for sex by a manager. While this still does occur, many other methods are now used for sexual harassment. Some of the most common include late-night text messages or provocative images, suggestive emails, and business “meetings” in reality dates. If you have been subjected to any of these or other similar acts, do not let them continue. Instead, turn to a sexual harassment attorney from Mann & Elias.
A Violation of Your Civil Rights
When most employees are subjected to various forms of sexual harassment, they do not realize their civil rights are being violated. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, workplace sexual harassment is considered illegal in businesses with at least 15 employees.
Within the Civil Rights Act, two specific types of harassment are included. The first is known as quid pro quo when a request for sexual favors consists of a tangible job action as a potential reward. For example, if a supervisor requests sexual favors and offers you a promotion for complying with the request, quid pro quo has taken place.
The other form of this harassment is a hostile work environment, which involves physical or verbal sexual behavior directed at an employee that makes their work environment challenging to endure day after day. If you believe sexual harassment directed at you qualifies under these categories, consult at once with a lawyer for sexual harassment in the workplace.
Proving Sexual Harassment
While it is somewhat easy to demonstrate a quid pro quo sexual harassment incident took place, it can be much more difficult to prove a hostile work environment does indeed exist. To build a successful case, you will need to have various types of evidence given to your sexual assault lawyer. This should include any emails, text messages, cartoons, or other sexually suggestive communications provided or sent to you by managers or coworkers. In addition, if anyone witnessed the sexual harassment being directed at you, try to obtain statements from them. Having as much evidence as possible when you initially come forward with these allegations makes you stand a much better chance of having a successful outcome.
Examples of Inappropriate Conduct
While you may think such acts as unwanted kissing or getting slapped on the rear end are the primary examples of inappropriate sexual conduct in the workplace, there are many examples of sexual harassment that take place each day in the workplace.
For example, while everyone likes to be complimented for their appearance, repeated comments that make you feel uncomfortable may constitute sexual harassment. As well as sudden questions about your sex life or discussing their sex life. Additional types of inappropriate conduct include:
- Making sexual jokes.
- Leaving unwanted gifts of a sexual nature.
- Hugs or neck massages that are unwanted and make you feel uncomfortable.
If these types of inappropriate situations where sexual conduct is being directed at you while on the job, hold the harassers accountable for their actions by speaking with a Los Angeles workplace lawyer from Mann & Elias.
What a Reasonable Person Would Expect
To be considered an act of sexual harassment in the workplace, the words or acts must be what a reasonable person would consider offensive under similar circumstances. For example, if a female employee becomes offended when complimented on her new hairstyle or when a door is held open for her, this would not constitute sexual harassment since the average person would not consider these acts offensive. If you are unsure whether the words or behaviors directed at you are indeed sexual harassment, discuss your situation by consulting with a sexual harassment lawyer Los Angeles employees from our law offices.
Customer and Client Sexual Harassment
While you may think a sexual harassment claim can be made only if the harassment is directed at you by a coworker or manager, you are mistaken. In many cases, employees will allege sexual harassment in the workplace when the harassment comes from customers or clients of the business. Since employers do have a legal obligation to protect their employees from harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, you are allowed to bring forth allegations of sexual harassment being directed at you from those who do not work at your employer. Since these situations can be complex and contain many different versions of what may or may not have happened, always speak with an experienced attorney for unwanted harassment.
While you will undoubtedly feel embarrassed about being involved in any sexual situation at work, you must hold those responsible for such harassment accountable for their actions. We know what it takes to win a successful lawsuit for our clients.