Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyers – Have you been a victim at your job?

More and more light is being shed each year on obscene happenings at the workplace. This is in part to the candor and bravery of victims as well as continued reforms regarding the safety and well-being of business’ employees. However, despite these efforts, sexual harassment has not ceased, nor is it likely to do so completely for some time and without major changes within both society and legal systems.

What is Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcomed contact, comment, request, or other advance of a sexual nature. When a person does not or cannot consent to an action of this type, they then become a victim of harassment.

Forms of Sexual Harassment

The idea of sexual harassment is not an uncomplicated one; it can take many shapes. Some are physical, others are strictly verbal or suggestive, while others can be culminative forms of several types.

Stalking, for instance, can be sexual harassment when the perpetrator intrudes upon the privacy of the victim or if the predator is pursuing the other in a manner that boasts sexual or perverse intentions.

Requesting sexual favors is an obvious form of sexual harassment seen far too often within a company or organization. Any type of coercing or bargaining where the harasser is expecting favors in return is a flagrant case of sexual harassment as well.

Bullying or discriminating against someone because of their gender or sexual orientation is undoubtedly harassment, though these forms are often the most overlooked because they are less glaring.

To be a victim of sexual harassment, you need not even be personally attacked. If a joke or employee’s conduct is such that it detracts from your workflow, offends you, or negatively affects your employment and environment in some other way, you should consider contacting an attorney immediately.

How to Recognize Sexual Harassment at Work

Sexual harassment, when specifically viewed under the scope of workplace harassment, has two components: hostile environment and quid pro.

Hostile environment sexual harassment is that molestation which exists as an effect of inappropriate conduct by an employee or employees.

Quid pro quo harassment is that which can be defined as having some direct relation to finances. This is most commonly seen with promises of promotions or benefits as well as the threat of termination, though other instances do fit within the confines of the quid pro quo category.

Also, read more about Sexual Harassment at the Workplace on our Blog

Nationwide Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Statistics

One in four women are sexually assaulted at some point during their life, and most of these instances take place at work.

The Association of Women for Action and Research conducted a study in 2008 that focused on the commonality of sexual harassment. They found that 79% of victims were women, a staggering number that, given the early percentage of women that were to be assaulted in their lifetime, is sadly unsurprising. 12% of victims were threatened with termination if they did not comply with the demands of their harasser.

Prevention

The prevention of such heinous acts should be simple as all employees should understand and act with basic human decency and respect those they work with. However, as you are reading this page now, there is a blatant need for awareness and impediment of these crimes. Many cases of sexual harassment or assault go without ever being reported. This only allows for the predators to continue to repeat their offenses time and time again.

Training and education should be both mandated by the employer and completed by all employees. All complaints should be treated seriously and dealt with in a timely manner.

I’ve been a victim of Workplace Sexual Harassment. What are my next steps?

If you or a loved one has been sexually harassed or assaulted, do not fear the repercussions a proper report may bring about. Safety, closure, and peace of mind are the first priorities. Leave the rest to us. As with an accident or the loss of a loved one, sexual harassment can leave a person feeling hurt, damaged to a point where they are not themselves; depending on the severity of the harassment, or if it reaches the level of assault itself, the incident may become physically injurious as well. Hiring an attorney can lessen the stress you may face and allow you to focus on what is most important.

You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation for any of the following:

• Physical pain
• Lost wages
• Diminished quality of life
• Medical bills
• Home healthcare
• Mental Anguish

How our Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys at Lemberg Law Can Help

At Lemberg Law, our attorneys are both compassionate and knowledgeable. We know that, no matter the adversity you face, less worry is better. We know that you work hard to lead the life you do, and we want to help you get back to that. Call 475-277-2200 for your case evaluation. It is free and there is no obligation to use our services after the review. Call today and see how our qualified attorneys can assist you.