What is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
As attorneys who are experienced in litigating sexual harassment cases on behalf of employees, we at DeGolia Law P.C. understand that sometimes sexual harassment is not easy to define. Our clients often recognize that they have been mistreated, but do not always realize their legal rights have been violated. We at DeGolia Law P.C. are here to help you understand your rights and to stand up and fight with you when they have been violated.
Two Forms of Sexual Harassment
1. Hostile Work Environment
State and federal law prohibit an employer from creating or failing to remedy a sexually hostile work environment. If you are being subjected to sexual comments, jokes, or other degrading and humiliating conduct, and that behavior is negatively impacting your ability to do your job, you are probably experiencing a sexually hostile work environment. Although a single severe incident, such as unwanted physical touching of a sexual nature, may give rise to a hostile work environment, usually this type of sexual harassment requires ongoing conduct.
If you are experiencing this kind of harassment, report it in writing to management or a human resources representative. Once reported, your employer has an obligation to take steps to remedy the harassment and prevent further harassment. If your employer does not take steps to stop the harassment or retaliates against you for reporting it, it may be time to take legal action. If you aren’t sure whether you have been subjected to a sexually hostile work environment, reach out today for a free consultation.
2. Quid Pro Quo
If a supervisor or manager has promised promotions, increased pay, or other employment benefits if you give in to their romantic or sexual advances—or worse, if they have threatened to take negative employment actions against you if you don’t give in to their advances—then you have likely suffered quid pro quo hostile work environment. “Quid pro quo” literally means “this for that,” and exists any time an employer is conditioning positive or negative employment outcomes on your willingness to agree to sexual favors. If you think you might have been subjected to this kind of harassment, contact us for a consultation.
Discuss Your Case With an Attorney
Sexual harassment can jeopardize both your livelihood and your dignity. At DeGolia Law P.C., we have the experience and strength to take the fight to your employer and regain what you lost. We have successfully handled sexual harassment cases on behalf of clients ranging from corporate executives and doctors to restaurant servers and assembly line workers. We also understand that surviving sexual harassment and abuse can be a deeply traumatizing experience, and we take very seriously our obligation to provide trauma-informed services. DeGolia Law P.C. partners with local organizations that can provide free counseling in your language. If your harasser is charged with a crime for their conduct, we can also represent you in the criminal proceeding as your victim’s rights designee, free of charge.
If you believe you have been subjected to employment discrimination, we encourage you to call for a consultation with our attorneys.
**If you are experiencing sexual abuse and need immediate assistance, call RAINN’s 24/7 Confidential Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.**
