Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious crime that can cause mental anguish and severe stress for victims. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment is considered any “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” that affects an individual’s employment opportunities or creates a hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment is a serious offense, but it can also be difficult to prove that in a court of law. If you have been sexually harassed at work, it is important to speak with an experienced employment lawyer as soon as possible. Our team of employment lawyers can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that involves sexual advances or requests for sexual favors that are not welcome on the part of the victim. Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of ways and is potentially very mentally harmful to victims.
Sexual harassment is illegal under both federal and state laws. Specifically, the law prohibits sexual harassment in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. Sexual harassment is an explicit form of sex discrimination and is rigorously upheld in courts.
State laws that prohibit sexual harassment vary from state to state. If you experience sexual harassment in the workplace, you should consult with an experienced employment lawyer to learn more about the specific laws in your state.
How Harassment Is Proven In Court
Sexual harassment in the workplace can be difficult to prove legally. There are specific criteria that must be met in order for a claim to be successful, and these can be difficult to meet.
First, the victim must show that they were harassed because of their sex. The harassment can be verbal, physical, or visual, but it must be based on the victim’s sex in order for it to be considered sexual harassment.
Second, the victim must show that the harassment was unwelcome. This can be difficult to do if the victim didn’t explicitly say that they didn’t want the harassment, but if the victim showed that they were uncomfortable or made it clear that the harassment was not welcome, then this will likely be sufficient.
Finally, the victim must show that the harassment had a negative impact on their job or resulted in some other type of harm. This could include things like lost wages or having to take time off from work due to harassment. If all of these criteria are met, then the victim may have a case.
Connect With The Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers At Lehr Law
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, you may be feeling scared and alone. You are not. There are laws in place to protect you from sexual harassment in the workplace, and there are lawyers who specialize in helping guide victims of sexual harassment through the difficult litigation process.
Our team of seasoned attorneys can help you build a case, gather evidence, and negotiate with your employer or the harasser’s attorney. They will also advise you on your options and help you make the best decision for yourself and your family.
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, please don’t suffer in silence. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today at (858) 240-9993 or request a consultation online and get the help you need.