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Sexual Harassment in Employment

Silicon Valley Plagued with Sexual Harassment Allegations

Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Helping Workers throughout Southern California Obtain Justice

Sexual harassment takes many forms, all of which have no place in a professional working environment. The bottom line is that certain unwelcome behaviors can make life unbearable and have a long-lasting emotional, psychological and even physical impact on the victim. According to a survey, nearly 54 percent of workers had experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment.

The law firm of Taylor & Ring has a strong track record in sexual harassment litigation. If an employer or institution failed to stop harassing behavior or retaliated against the victim in any way, we will aggressively pursue justice through a civil lawsuit.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

While unwanted physical contact is the most obvious example of sexual harassment in the workplace, no contact need be made for the behavior to constitute harassment. Sexual harassment can include both physical and verbal harassment such as:

  • Sexual assault or groping
  • Unwelcome touching, hugging or kissing
  • Unwanted advances
  • Stalking behavior (gifts, texts, phone calls, following)
  • Pornography or offensive images
  • Sexually explicit jokes, pranks or language
  • Catcalls or comments about one's body

Any unwanted sexual behavior in the workplace makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the victim to perform his or her job duties, and can have extremely long-lasting detrimental effects on his or her well-being both personally and professionally. Hostile work environments are not to be accepted, so seek out legal counsel if you have experienced any type of discomfort or threats, including quid pro quo harassment.

Seeking Justice for Sex Harassment in Your Place of Employment

According to a poll, one in five women said they'd been harassed by a boss, and one in four said they had been harassed by another co-worker. We represent adults who have been subjected to workplace sexual harassment by an owner, executive, supervisor, co-worker or client. If you were manipulated into sexual encounters by a person in authority, subjected to unwelcome advances, or forced to endure offensive or degrading behavior, the employer can be liable for your economic losses and emotional distress.

What Is It, and What Are My Options?

Sexual harassment on the job is unacceptable and against the law. It knows no gender—a harasser can be a woman or a man, and the harasser doesn't have to be a different gender than the person he or she is victimizing. A harasser can be a co-worker, a supervisor, or anyone in your workplace.

None of us should have to face or tolerate sexual harassment at work. Unfortunately, harassment is a common problem, and many employees find themselves also dealing with the fear of losing their jobs, retaliation, or being ostracized by their co-workers.

The law does protect workers who experience sexual harassment on the job, but victims should be aware of their rights and legal options. Here are some basic facts about sexual harassment in the workplace.

Types of sexual harassment

Typically, sexual harassment happens in one of two scenarios. The first is what we call “quid pro quo,” which involves a proposition of exchange. A few examples of quid pro quo include:

  • Requesting or demanding sexual favors in exchange for a promotion or raise
  • Requesting or demanding sexual favors in exchange for not being fired

The second type of sexual harassment involves issues like intimidation, discrimination, or harassment. Some examples include:

  • Unwanted touching
  • Unwanted comments, jokes, or gestures
  • Transmitting, posting, or displaying sexual emails or pictures
  • Repeated unwanted requests for dates

There are many, many other examples of sexual harassment, and remember that both kinds of harassment are illegal.

Questions and answers about sexual harassment

What is the definition of sexual harassment?

At work, sexual harassment can be requests for sexual favors from a supervisor that are tied to promotions, pay, or other job-related situations. It can also come from co-workers or as part of a hostile work environment. It can be directed toward any gender, and is against the law.

Is sexual harassment seen as discrimination?

Yes. Because sexual harassment targets a victim based on their gender, it violates federal and state law. Gender is a protected category under civil rights law.

What can I do if I'm sexually harassed at work?

You have rights and you can fight back. Sexual harassment is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A sexual harassment and employment law attorney can help and advise you.

Is there anything specific I can do right now?

As soon as the harassment begins to occur, one of the most valuable things you can do is keep a log of the incidents. Record dates, names, descriptions of the incidents, and names of possible witnesses of the specific instances of harassment.

Types of Cases We Handle

Compassionate representation for victims of sexual assault, including:

Los Angeles Litigators Helping Sexual Harassment Victims Move Forward

Bringing a claim for sexual harassment is a daunting step. The knowledgeable and compassionate Los Angeles sex harassment lawyers of Taylor & Ring will sit down with you to explain your rights and help you decide how to proceed. We will aggressively pursue compensation for the harm that you have endured, including going to trial to achieve justice. Get in touch with our office or call 310-776-6390 to begin the process.

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