Sexual Harassment Lawyer in San Diego
| The Larabee Law Firm
Suggestive comments, unwelcome advances, vulgar jokes, and sexual anecdotes – not only are these behaviors inappropriate for the workplace; they’re all examples of sexual harassment. While statistics overwhelmingly portray women as the victims of workplace sexual harassment, men can also be on the receiving end.
Fortunately, there are state and federal laws that protect all employees from sexual harassment. The bad news: it’s still an all-too- common occurrence. In 2016, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received nearly 13,000 charges alleging sexual harassment. If you have been the target of unwanted touching, requests for sexual favors, flirting, or other behaviors that have made you uncomfortable at work, a compassionate employment attorney can help.
At the Larabee Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees who have been victimized by sexual harassment at work.
What is sexual harassment?
In the workplace, sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an employee’s success and creates an intimidating, hostile, or uncomfortable work environment.
There are two types of sexual harassment:
Quid pro quo
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a superior offers a promotion or raise in return for a sexual demand. This type of harassment can also include sexual favors in exchange for employment or to remain employed.
Hostile work environment
Sexual harassment can also contribute to a hostile work environment. This occurs when an employee is subject to demeaning jokes, inappropriate pictures, lewd comments, and unwelcome touching. A hostile work environment may also be created with other forms of discrimination, such as negative depictions or comments regarding your race, religion, or national origin.
What types of behaviors are considered sexual harassment?
It’s not always easy to recognize sexual harassment when it happens. A supervisor, co-worker, contractor, vendor, or even a client can be considered an offender if his or her actions contribute to a hostile or uncomfortable work environment. The following behaviors represent just a few examples of sexual harassment:
Requests for sexual favors
Making inappropriate sexual gestures
Inappropriate touching (kissing, hugging, patting, stroking and rubbing)
Purposefully brushing up against another person
Making offensive comments about a person’s sexual orientation
Staring or whistling in a sexually offensive manner
Telling vulgar jokes or sexual anecdotes
Sharing pornographic photos or videos
Sending suggestive notes, emails or text messages
Asking questions about a person’s sexual history
Looking a person’s body up and down
Displaying inappropriate sexual images or posters in the workplace
What should I do if I’ve experienced workplace sexual harassment?
No one should have to deal with unwanted sexual advances – especially at work. Whether you’ve been offered a promotion in exchange for sexual favors or are
continuously subjected to inappropriate touching, jokes, or comments, there are some important steps that can help your case.
1. Document everything and gather evidence. Take notes of verbal offenses and include the date, time, place, and any witnesses. Don’t throw anything away.Keep copies of any texts, emails, cards, or notes in a safe place.
2. Consult an employment lawyer. If you are considering reporting sexual harassment, an attorney can minimize the chance of retaliation from your employer and preserve your rights.
3. File a complaint with the DFEH. Reporting sexual harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission protects you from workplace retaliation. We strongly recommend seeking the advice of an attorney to help ensure that you protect your rights while filing any complaints with the DFEH or EEOC.
Contact an experienced employment attorney in San Diego
In the case of workplace sex harassment, it’s often difficult to understand your rights, determine whether you've been wronged, reach an agreement with your employer, and decide whether or not to pursue a lawsuit. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, an employment attorney can help bring justice to your case.
At the Larabee Law Firm, we will review your claim and guide you through the
process of filing a lawsuit, informing you of all of your options along the way. Armed with the legal knowledge and clear understanding of your goals, we will work together to determine the best course of action.