Employees who experienced sexual harassment do not have to stay quiet and allow it to happen in the workplace. If a California worker is a victim of sexual harassment, they may be eligible to sue, recover compensation, and hold abusers responsible for their actions. Lawyers for Justice, PC (LFJ) is a top rated Los Angeles sexual harassment law firm that is dedicated to holding guilty parties accountable for their improper actions. 

With a team of talented attorneys readily available to take on your case, LFJ works diligently to handle each case with the utmost care and respect it deserves. Whether someone has been a victim of physical or non-verbal sexual harassment, Lawyers for Justice, PC can help. To get started, call (818) 647-9323 for a free case consultation!

Defining Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted behavior or conduct of a sexual nature. It is not limited to overt advances, and it can also include subtle behaviors and actions that can potentially create a hostile work environment. 

Due to the nature of sexual harassment, it can take place in many forms and in any environment. In addition, sexual harassment can happen to anybody, regardless of age, gender, or professional status. 

Sexual Harassment Statistics in Los Angeles

According to a Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) report, sexual harassment charges made up 27.7% of all harassment charges from 2018 to 2021. Out of those charges, women made up the majority of them. In fact, women filed 78.2% of the 27,291 sexual harassment charges between 2018 and 2021. Additionally, out of the 27,291 women who filed for sexual harassment, 1,945 of them also filed for race discrimination. 

While women continue to file a disproportionate amount of sexual harassment charges, women of color can potentially face different types of harassment. As such, it is important that they understand their rights and what laws protect them in the workplace. 

What Laws Protect you From Sexual Harassment?

There are several laws that provide protection against sexual harassment. The laws not only ensure people have the right to work, learn, and live in environments free from intimidation and discrimination, but also protect their safety and well being.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

• Protects employees from workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment.
• Applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
• Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

• Safeguards against sex-based discrimination and harassment in federally funded educational institutions.
• Covers both students and employees in schools and universities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Provides additional protections for individuals with disabilities who may experience sexual harassment.

What Are Some Examples of Sexual Harassment? 

Sexual harassment can manifest in a variety of behaviors, but some of the most common examples of sexual harassment can be categorized as verbal, non-verbal, physical, and quid pro quo. As each type of sexual harassment is different it’s important to recognize the behavior and take appropriate action. The Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer team at Lawyers for Justice can help.

Verbal Harassment

Verbal sexual harassment is referred to as any unwelcome words or comments of a sexual nature. This can range from a variety of comments such as suggestive remarks, sexually explicit jokes and stories, unwanted sexual advances and flirting, and even asking someone personal and inappropriate questions about their sexual history and preferences.  

Verbal sexual harassment is not always over-the-top and obvious. In many cases, it is subtle or disguised as harmless teasing or joking. It can come off as a form of miscommunication, oir subtle jabs, but they still have a significant impact on the receiving person. 

Non-Verbal Harassment

Non-verbal sexual harassment is defined as harassment that uses body language, sounds, or actions to convey unwanted sexual suggestions. 

For example, staring, leering, and making suggestive gestures are common instances of non-verbal sexual harassment. However, more severe cases often include aggressors sending unsolicited sexually suggestive texts, emails, and images, and displaying inappropriate material in shared spaces.   

Physical Harassment

Physical sexual harassment is defined as unwanted physical contact that is sexual in nature. For instance, this can take the form as touching, hugging, or brushing up against someone without their consent.

In addition, blocking someone’s path or invading their personal space also counts as physical harassment. While the severity of physical harassment will vary on a case-by-case scenario, the amount of physical contact can potentially border on sexual assault.

Quid Pro Quo 

Quid Pro Quo is defined as a situation where someone in a position of power demands sexual favors from an employee in exchange for job benefits such as a promotion, a pay raise, or even avoiding disciplinary actions like demotions and firings. 

As a result of quid pro quo, it can create a negative work environment as other employees who are more qualified may feel unvalued as they continue to work with and/or for someone who got their position based on sexual favors. 

What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Harassed?

It is important to take action promptly and effectively, if someone believes sexual harassment has occurred. One of the first things to do is to document the event and keep a record of each incident, including dates, times, locations, descriptions of what has occurred, and names of any witnesses. 

Should the harassment continue, it is recommended to report the harassment to the company’s human resources department.

However, if internal reporting does resolve the issue, then it is recommended to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against those responsible and hire an experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney.

How to Prove Sexual Harassment

Providing evidence can be challenging as it requires planning and collecting crucial details. One of the best and most secure ways to gather evidence is to collect any emails, text messages, photos, or any other documentation related to the harassment. It is also recommended to enlist the help of colleagues or people who have witnessed the harassment or its impact.

In addition, any evidence of reporting, resisting, or objecting to the harassment is also relevant because it not only shows that the harassment was unwelcomed, but that it was reported and the employer was made aware of it. 

How Can A Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help?

A sexual harassment lawyer plays a critical role in ensuring sexual harassment victims receive the justice they deserve. By hiring a sexual harassment lawyer, they can help victims understand their legal rights, advise them on the best course of action, collect necessary evidence to strengthen a case, negotiate on their clients behalf to secure fair compensation, and represent them should it goes to trial. 

While victims can file a sexual harassment claim on their own, working with a sexual harassment lawyer can drastically improves their chances to receive proper compensation. With that in mind, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure that a victim’s rights are protected.

How To Protect Yourself from Sexual Harassment

If someone experiences harassment, they should report the behavior to their company’s human resources department. If they continue to experience sexual harassment in the workplace, it is recommended to create detailed records and consult with a sexual harassment lawyer.

An experienced sexual harassment lawyer, can assess each situation and come up with a strategy to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. They can help guide clients through the legal process and ensure that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. 

Lawyers For Justice, PC Is Here To Help 

Lawyers for Justice, PC, is a top-rated law firm that specializes in employment law, and their talented team of attorneys help California workers receive the legal representation they deserve. To get started, call (818) 647-9323 for a free case consultation.