Sexual Harassment
Harassment of any kind is never acceptable, but sexual harassment in the workplace can be especially toxic. Sexual harassment can take many forms and can cause real trauma. Victims often do not know how to address or fear retaliation if they report it. For some, the only two responses are either to allow it or quit. Neither of those options is acceptable. You should never have to succumb to sexual harassment to maintain your job. Likewise, you should never have to quit your job to escape sexual harassment.
The Law Firm of Matthew D. Estes represents employees harmed by sexual harassment. The laws and regulations are very specific and stringent as is the statute of limitations, so there is no room for error. Contact us at (202) 753-5079 to schedule a consultation.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in workplace?
Sexual harassment is sex discrimination in the workplace. It occurs when an applicant or employee is harassed on the basis of their sex. This includes harassment that is sexual in nature as well as behavior that is offensive in regards to a particular sex in general.
While sexual harassment generally conjures up an image of a male harassing a female, in reality, it can also be a female harassing a male, or a person harassing another person of the same sex. Keep in mind, to be considered harassment, the behavior must be more than a simple offhand, isolated comment. Harassment occurs frequently or is so severe that it results in the victim being forced to work in an offensive or hostile work environment.
In addition, it can be considered sexual harassment when the victim is fired, demoted, or passed over for promotion as a repercussion of the harassment.
As the above suggests and according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, two basic types of sexual harassment exist:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment, which occurs when a superior or someone in a position of authority (e.g., manager or supervisor) asks for unwanted sexual favors or an inappropriate relationship in return for a promotion, pay raise, a promise not to fire, or other on-the-job benefits; or
- Hostile work environment, which occurs when employees are allowed to make crude jokes, share pictures or content of a sexual nature, make sexual comments, or other similar behavior to co-workers, thus, creating a hostile work environment
If you are a federal employee, or work in the private sector in Washington, D.C. or Virginia, and have experienced either of these types of harassment, contact The Law Firm of Matthew D. Estes to learn about how you should proceed. Depending on the facts and circumstances, the next steps you take may vary, but these steps are also what may protect you and your rights as an employee.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in workplace
Employers and employees should be clear on what actually constitutes sexual harassment. Following are examples of what is generally considered to be sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Inappropriate touching, rubbing, or rubbing up against another person
- Inappropriate sexual gestures
- Making offensive comments about a certain sex, in general,
- Commenting on the physical appearance of others, including particular body parts and/or clothing
- Sharing inappropriate sexual media, such as pornographic photographs and videos
- Making comments regarding a person's gender or sexual orientation
- Telling inappropriate, lewd, and sexually-based jokes
Sexual harassment can take many different forms. So, if the actions of another person in the workspace create a hostile work environment by making you feel as though you are the subject of sexual harassment, get advice on how to handle it today.
What Should Employees Do if Sexually Harassed in the Workplace?
When an employee feels that they are the victim of sexual harassment, they are not without recourse. A few important steps should be taken to protect your rights.
- Keep a record. An employee who has been harassed should keep detailed records of the harassment, including where and when it happened as well as the name (or names) of the abuser(s). Detailed notes are important. If litigation occurs in the future, it is helpful to have the notes to jog memories.
- Report the harassment. Employees should immediately report the harassment to their supervisor, a member of Human Resources. Federal employees should contact their agency's EEO office and speak with an EEO Counselor.
- Speak to an attorney. You should also speak with an attorney who handles sexual harassment claims to protect your rights.
In sexual harassment cases, time is of the essence. There are limits on how long an employee has to file a complaint for harassment. The clock starts ticking after the last incident of discrimination. Time limits vary depending on state and federal claims and between federal, state and private sector employees.
Remedies for Sexual Harassment Cases in workplace
A number of remedies may be available to you if you have been the subject of sexual harassment in the workplace. Three potential and important remedies include:
- Compensation. If you prove your sexual harassment case, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation depends on several factors, including but not limited to the presence and extent of emotional distress, loss of wages, lost professional opportunities, medical expenses (like those for psychological care), and the nature and degree of the harassment (verbal versus physical).
- Opportunities. If you lost a job or professional opportunity, that job or opportunity could be offered or provided again.
- Alterations. Your employer should make sure your workspace is safe. This can include anything from improved training to the removal of the harasser.
Contact an Employment Law Attorney Today
It is critical to consult a sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible after you have experienced sexual harassment, retaliation, or any other type of discrimination in the workplace. As time goes by, witnesses may forget details and deadlines will expire.
At The Law Firm of Matthew D. Estes, we stand ready to provide legal guidance and, if necessary and beneficial to you, file a sexual harassment complaint on your behalf or represent you in one you have already filed. Contact us today by filling out the online form or calling us at (202) 753-5079 to schedule a consultation.