Sexual Harassment

Sex harassment is still accepted by some employers and employees as innocent flirting. However, unwanted advances, innuendos, jokes, comments and touching of a sexual nature have no place on the job. Many employees who are victims of sexual harassment are afraid to speak out against such treatment for fear of losing their jobs, being shunned or not taken seriously.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that can be a violation of state and federal laws under two forms. One form is quid pro quo sexual harassment where the employer or supervisor makes the submission of unwelcome sexual advances, sexual favors, or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature a condition of the individual’s employment. Quid pro quo, meaning “this for that”, harassment can also be found where the submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by the employee is the basis for employment decisions affecting the employee.

Another form of sexual harassment is through a hostile work environment where unwelcome sexual comments, acts or behavior are severe or pervasive enough to have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the employee’s work performance and creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment. Sex harassment is a serious law violation that requires immediate action to preserve legal claims.

Therefore, it is important to know what steps to take without losing these protections and legal rights. Contact Henrichsen Law Group, P.L.L.C. immediately if you are being, or have been, subjected to unlawful sexual harassment.