The Roper Law Firm

WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARRASSMENT

The American Psychological Association estimates that 71 percent of working women will be subjected to sexual harassment during their working careers. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a violation of both federal and state law.

Sexual Harassment involves various unlawful actions by other employees, supervisors, management, or the owners of the company, such as:

  • Leering, i.e., staring in a sexually suggestive manner;
  • Making offensive remarks about looks, clothing, body parts;
  • Touching in a way that may make an employee feel uncomfortable, such as patting, pinching or intentional brushing against another’s body;
  • Telling sexual or lewd jokes, hanging sexual posters, making sexual gestures, and so on;
  • Sending, forwarding or soliciting sexually suggestive letters, notes, emails, or images;
  • When a person, usually of authority, suggests and action of a sexual nature in exchange for increases of pay, better work conditions, promotions, or other employment benefits, favors, or advancement opportunities (Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment);
  • When a person, usually of authority, suggests and action of a sexual nature as a threat for termination, demotion or any other manner of affecting the victim's employment status (Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment).

In a sexual harassment case, the inactions of a company while addressing sexual harassment claims may be just as prevalent in your case as the sexual harassment actions that have been reported.

  1. Begin documenting the actions, policies and witness statements surrounding the events and/or actions in question;
  2. Seek the legal advice and representation of experienced legal counsel to protect your rights, and stand up on your behalf regarding these rights and the potential injustice you may have been subjected to as a result of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

It is important to note that it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a Sexual Harassment case against them. For information about unlawful employment retaliation, please click here.

In employment law cases, including Sexual Harassment cases, if you are successful in your claim, Federal Law provides that your employer may be ordered to pay your attorney fees and court costs.

If you believe you have been the victim of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace or as a result of the Discriminatory Hiring Practices of a company or business, contact The Roper Law Firm.