Harassment in the workplace is illegal, according to U.S. civil and employment law. Sexual harassment can be particularly challenging issue, since many people who face this type of discrimination are afraid of losing their job if it is reported. The best step for victims of sexual discrimination to take would be to seek the assistance of an attorney who handles sexual harassment cases. Whether you have lost a job, missed a promotion, or received unwanted sexual advances in the workplace, an experienced lawyer can help you seek relief from such problems.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
As defined by Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature, and a request for sexual favors. It includes sexual harassment as well as employment discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.
More people experience sexual harassment at work than might be imagined, primarily because many instances are never reported. Retaliation of some type, including loss of job, keeps many from reporting incidences of sexual harassment. Title VII prevents employers from taking any kind of action against employees report such cases. If an employer should take any action against an employee for reporting sexual harassment, that employee should seek the help of a sexual harassment attorney to file a claim against the employer.
What Is Considered Sexual Harassment?
A common misconception about sexual harassment is that it only happens to women, which is not true. Sexual harassment is illegal whether it happens to men or women. Sexual harassment that happens at work includes certain behavior to a person, such as: physical or verbal attention that is sexual in nature; requests for sexual favors; threats or bribes that are sexual in nature; attempted or completed sexual assault; and any other unwelcome sexual advances or threatening behavior. Less obvious actions include sexually suggestive comments or jokes, repeated requests for dates, or someone sending or showing pornographic material.
Steps to Report Sexual Harassment
According to employment law, a person dealing with sexual harassment should first ask the person involved to stop and document the incident or incidents that led to that request. If these actions do not stop, they should document each occurrence and report it through their employer’s complaint or grievance system. If the harassment continues or the employer fails to stop the reported behavior, an employee should seek legal assistance, especially if any form of discrimination against the person reporting harassment by the employer. Such acts would include being fired, losing a promotion, or any other similar action, all of which needs an experienced sexual harassment lawyer to help an employee deal with this particular set of circumstances.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a very serious concern, one that is prohibited by U.S. civil and employment law. Any worker who experiences such harassment should speak to a qualified sexual harassment attorney for advice on handling the situation. Based on specific circumstances, an experienced attorney will know whether filing a claim is recommended, what type of sexual harassment claim should be filed, or whether there are other ways to deal with the situation for a good outcome
Maurer Law
505 West Riverside, Suite 400
Spokane WA 99201
(509) 838-9111
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