3 Ways to Report Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to be a problem for many Americans.
Sexual harassment in the workplace includes “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature”, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
From 2018 through 2021, the EEOC received over 27 thousand claims of alleged sexual harassment.
Studies show that 81 percent of women reported some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime. 38 percent of women also reported being harassed at work.
Still, 90 percent of individuals who say they’ve been harassed at work don’t not report the incident.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can happen in a variety of ways, including:
- Unwanted sexual advances or requests
- Unwanted sexual comments or jokes
- Unwanted sexual photos, emails, or text messages
- Physical touching or further sexual assault
- Gestures or leering
According to the Fair Employment and Housing Act, there are two main types of sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo occurs when a colleague, usually a boss or supervisor, offers employment benefits in exchange for sexual conduct or behavior. For example, offering a job or promotion in exchange for sexual acts would be considered quid pro quo sexual harassment in the workplace.
A Hostile Work Environment occurs when the victim of any unwanted sexual conduct or comments interfere with a person’s ability to work, and even seeps into their regular everyday life outside of the workplace.
If you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, there are different ways you can go about reporting the crimes.
One way is to contact your supervisor or another boss. Letting a superior know about the situation can lead to a discussion regarding the employee harassing you.
However, the harasser is often your supervisor. In situations like this, you can contact your company’s human resources department.
The human resources department should be prepared to handle situations involving sexual harassment in the workplace. They can serve as a mediator of sorts between you and the harasser so you aren’t necessarily the one directly dealing with them.
Still, the punishment may not be severe, or the employee harassing you may continue to do so. In situations like this, you can always contact an employment lawyer.
Employment attorneys are familiar with the various employment laws, and will work with you to help during a case of sexual harassment in the workplace. They come into the situation neutral, with no prior investment in your company.
At C&B Law Group, our LA employment attorneys are equipped to help you with a claim regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.
With decades of united experience in the field of employment harassment, we pledge to bring you our best service possible. Our team of Los Angeles attorneys has helped with recovering millions of dollars for clients in situations similar to you.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can cause negative effects on victims, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Sleep issues
- Fatigue
- Paranoia
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Drugs or alcohol abuse
At C&B Law Group, we will work to help you recover the maximum compensation possible following sexual harassment in the workplace.
California has some of the strictest laws in the country for employee rights.
Our team at C&B Law Group will keep your identity and situation confidential to protect your rights as an employee. We will investigate, guide you through the best options for your case, and work hard to hold any harassers responsible for their actions.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. There are no excuses for harassers. You shouldn’t have to suffer.
If you were the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the Los Angeles attorneys at C&B Law Group today. Your initial consultation with our team is free. Reach out to us today.
