Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), nearly 90% of sexual harassment claims involve women filing against male supervisors or co-workers. While the number of complaints among sexually harassed males has tripled in recent years, women are too often the victim of workplace sexual harassment.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Employees, both male and female, are protected by federal and state law against sexual harassment in the workplace. There are two different forms of workplace sexual harassment--quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment. In quid pro quo harassment, an employee must tolerate sexual harassment to receive or keep a job, promotion, raise or benefit. On the other hand, a hostile work environment occurs when the sexual harassment interferes with the employee's job performance or creates a hostile, offensive or abusive work environment. A workplace is determined "hostile" by evaluating the following factors:
- How often the harassment occurred
- Whether the harasser was a co-worker or supervisor
- Whether others were involved in the harassment
- Whether the harassment was verbal, physical or both
- Whether the harassment was aimed at more than one person
While a single incident can be enough to make a quid pro quo harassment claim, continued conduct is usually needed to establish a hostile work environment.
If you have experienced sexual harassment at your job, fill out our free case evaluation form to learn how our attorneys can help end the harassment.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
The following conduct is usually the basis for sexual harassment claims:
- Demanding sexual favors
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Catcalls, leering, using nicknames such as "baby" and "sweetheart"
- Inappropriate touching
- Displaying pornographic photos
- Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
The harasser does not need to be an employee of the company. In some circumstances, non-employees, such as delivery people or clients, can be accused of sexual harassment.
If you feel you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment, inform the harasser that their conduct is unwelcome and must end. Make sure to write down the date and time of the incident, as well as any evidence that would support your claim. If the harassment continues, speak with a sexual harassment attorney.
At Morgan & Morgan, our sexual harassment lawyers have handled many harassment claims, with successful results. We have years of experience litigating employment claims, so you can feel secure that your rights in the workplace are protected. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, consult a sexual harassment lawyer today.
