Which California Law Protects Workers from Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment at work is more than uncomfortable. It is illegal. However, too often, survivors are unaware of their rights, let alone the specific laws that protect them. If you are wondering, “Which California law protects workers from sexual harassment?” the answer is the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This law holds employers accountable for failing to address harassment and gives employees powerful tools to fight back.

Unfortunately, knowing the law is not enough. Before speaking to HR, filing a complaint, or attempting to handle the matter on your own, contact the Law Office of John Dalton. We help workers throughout California hold companies and harassers responsible for the harm they caused. If you were harassed on the job, your first step should be reaching out. We will guide you through what to do next.

Which California Law Protects Workers from Sexual Harassment?

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California defines sexual harassment broadly. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted physical contact, offensive remarks about gender, and even hostile work environments created by repeated inappropriate behavior. Unlike federal law, which applies only to employers with 15 or more employees, California sexual harassment law applies to employers with five or more employees, and sometimes even fewer.

California courts consider not only the harassment itself but also the employer’s response, or lack thereof. Depending on the circumstances, if a supervisor is involved, liability can be automatic. If not, the law still requires your employer to take reasonable steps to correct the harassment and prevent it in the future. Employers must maintain effective complaint procedures and act promptly when harassment is reported. Failing to do so may result in liability, even if the harasser is a coworker, client, or customer.

Importantly, you do not need to prove a long-term pattern of abuse to have a claim. A single, serious incident can be enough. You also do not have to report the misconduct to a supervisor before seeking help, especially if the person harassing you is your supervisor.

However, before you take action, it’s crucial to understand your rights and protect your options. At the Law Office of John Dalton, we can help you take the right next step, without jeopardizing your case.

How Does California Sexual Harassment Law Work?

Just knowing the name of the California law that protects workers from sexual harassment is not enough. What’s more critical is how that law applies to your specific situation. Under FEHA, victims have the right to pursue both financial and emotional remedies when their rights are violated.

That includes:

Reimbursement for lost income or benefits,
Compensation for emotional distress and mental anguish,
Punitive damages against especially harmful employers, and
Coverage of all attorney fees and related legal expenses.

In most cases, pursuing a FEHA claim begins by obtaining a right-to-sue notice from the California Civil Rights Department. That notice allows you to file a civil lawsuit in state court. At that point, FEHA allows you to present your case to a judge and jury, not just through internal HR channels. Many people file these complaints on their own. That is usually a mistake. If you check the wrong box or ask the department to investigate (instead of requesting an immediate right-to-sue notice), your case can get stuck in the system for months or years. Worse, it can weaken your claim.

That’s why you should never file a CRD complaint without talking to us first. We will handle it for you or advise you exactly how to proceed without jeopardizing your claim.

Every situation is different. The best outcome depends on understanding how FEHA applies in your specific case and utilizing the law strategically from the outset. We can help you do that.

Sexual Harassment Laws in California Offer Stronger Protections Than Federal Law

Many workers Google “sexual harassment California” and land on federal EEOC pages. Federal law can help, but California law goes much further. FEHA allows claims for same-sex harassment, protects workers at smaller companies, and requires employers to take active steps to prevent harassment, not just respond when it happens.

Under the FEHA, your employer must legally:

Provide mandatory training to all employees,
Maintain a complaint process that is accessible and clear, and
Investigate all complaints in a timely and fair manner.

But even if your employer fails at all of these things, you still have rights. Sexual harassment laws in California protect you even when your company does not. Let us explain those rights to you. Call before you confront your employer, speak with HR, or request a transfer. We will work to protect your case before you make a mistake that can weaken your claim.

The California Law That Protects Workers from Sexual Harassment Covers Many Situations

Harassment does not always look the same. It could be a manager who makes sexually suggestive jokes. A coworker who stares too long. A customer who keeps crossing the line. A text message. A retaliatory demotion after rejecting someone’s advance. California sexual harassment law covers all of this and more. You are also protected even if you are not the direct target of the inappropriate behavior.

Call the Law Office of John Dalton as soon as you believe harassment may have occurred. You do not need hard proof to have a case. You need guidance. We will handle the rest.

Experiencing Sexual Harassment? California Attorney John Dalton at the Law Office of John Dalton Can Help

Knowing your rights as an employee under California law is only the beginning. What matters more is what you do next.

John Dalton has secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for workers like you. Californians know him as a serious, battle-tested trial attorney. He has taken on some of the largest companies in the country and won. With a background in economics and six years at the CIA, John brings uncommon discipline and clarity to every case. His experience, judgment, and tenacity are why so many clients trust him to handle some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

If you’re struggling, the Law Office of John Dalton will walk you through what to say, how to say it, and how to avoid the missteps that employers and insurance companies use against you.