Of all the areas of employment law, sexual harassment is one of the most sensitive. Like any other type of employment discrimination, sexual harassment impacts the financial well being of its victims. But because of the personal issues involved, victims often feel an additional level of shame about their situation. Unfortunately, this means that sexual harassment often goes unreported, and as a result, perpetrators continue their harassing behavior.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it is important for you to know that it is illegal, and that you can do something about it. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines illegal sexual harassment this way:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature...constitutes sexual harassment when...this conduct...affects an individual's employment...
In other words, if you have been subjected to unwanted sexual attention at work and it has affected your job, then you need to contact a lawyer.
Legally speaking, sexual harassment can occur in two ways. The first is when an employer bases employment decisions on acceptance of a sexual advance. This type of harassment is known as quid pro quo, which is Latin for "something for something". A typical example of quid pro quo harassment is when an employer offers a job or promotion only if a person performs a sexual act.
The other way sexual harassment occurs is through a "hostile work environment". A hostile work environment exists when unwanted sexual advances interfere with your job. Some examples include:
- repeated requests for sexual favors,
- the display of sexual images,
- unwanted touching,
- sexual remarks or jokes, and
- physical restraint.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it is important that you act now to protect your rights. Click the "Contact" button on the right of your screen to set up a confidential consultation.