If you are being sexually harassed at work, you should know that you have legal rights and that you do not have to suffer in silence. Sexual harassment is illegal in the workplace, and there are laws that protect you.
At the Law Office of John Dalton, we have the tools and expertise needed to help you file a sexual harassment claim. We have decades of experience working with sexual harassment victims, and our work has resulted in some of the largest sexual harassment verdict amounts in the State of California.
If you believe that you might be suffering from sexual harassment at work, you will likely find this article helpful. Below, we will discuss the definition of sexual harassment, examples of workplace sexual harassment, and the different types of sexual harassment cases. This way, you can be more fully informed before proceeding with your legal claim.
What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission broadly defines sexual harassment as harassment because of a person’s sex. Sexual harassment can include not only harassment of a sexual nature but also any comments related to a person’s gender or sexual orientation. For example, making comments about a person’s sex, offensive comments about a particular sex, or putting someone down because of their gender in general can constitute sexual harassment.
It is also important to know that females are not the only gender that can suffer from sexual harassment. Both men and non-binary individuals can also be harassed because of their sex.
So, How Do I Know If I Am Being Sexually Harassed at Work?
Sexual harassment becomes illegal when it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment action. Therefore, isolated incidents that are not very serious, can add up over time to the level of sexual harassment. Nevertheless, sexual harassment is broadly defined, and some examples of sexual harassment include:
- Requests for sexual favors;
- Physical acts of sexual assault;
- Unwanted touching or physical contact;
- Discussing sexual relations;
- Feeling pressured to engage with someone sexually;
- Unwanted sexually explicit photos, emails, or texts;
- Comments about your appearance or what you are wearing;
- Comments about the appearance of other people;
- Not taking “no” for an answer;
- Sex-based, or gender-based, jokes;
- Sexual gestures;
- “Pet names” instead of your actual name;
- Unwanted stares or suggestive facial expressions;
- Unwelcome sexual advances;
- Offensive comments about one’s sex;
- Offensive comments about a sex in general; and
- Being followed around the office in an inappropriate way.
These are just some of the different ways that someone can be sexually harassed in the workplace. If you are experiencing any of the above or another type of sexual harassment, we recommend that you reach out to our sexual harassment attorney as soon as possible.
Types of Sexual Harassment Cases
Generally, there are two different types of sexual harassment cases. One is when an employee is subjected to a hostile or offensive work environment. The second is when the employee is subjected to “quid pro quo” harassment. Below, we describe these types in more detail.
Hostile Work Environment Cases
This is the most common type of sexual harassment case. These cases arise when a workplace has become so hostile or offensive that it interferes with an employee’s work environment or their ability to perform their job. If you any type of sex-based, or gender-based, conduct you experience is unwelcome, you likely have a claim for hostile work environment sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo Harassment Cases
While these cases are less common, they are no less severe. The latin phrase “quid pro quo,” in its english translation, means “something for something” or “this for that.” Quid pro quo harassment occurs when someone with some authority seeks sexual favors in exchange for some workplace benefit, like a promotion, salary raise, better hours or even just continued employment (or threatens a negative employment action if you refuse a sexual advance). Quid pro quo harassment can happen to anyone in the workplace, regardless of their gender.
If you have suffered either of these forms of sexual harassment, we can help you build a strong legal claim.
How Can The Law Office of John Dalton Help You?
At the Law Office of John Dalton, we believe that no one should have to suffer sexual harassment in the workplace. Attorney John. W. Dalton has been fighting on behalf of victims of sexual harassment for over 25 years, and he is here to help you too.
He has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for his clients, and he is available to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve. To request a consultation, you can reach out online or call us. There are important legal deadlines you must meet in a sexual harassment case, so do not hesitate to contact us today!