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Workplace harassment has been an enduring issue in the US for many decades. You are at this page because:
This was not your fault. Our experienced sex abuse attorneys may be able to help. Find more information on your legal rights and options in a free consultation today. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is more common than it should be, learn more from our attorneys for transgender sexual abuse.
Workplace sexual harassment is a serious problem that affects both women and men. No one deserves to be subjected to unwanted sexual attention, comments, touching, or sexual assault when they're just trying to bring in a steady paycheck.
Unfortunately, predatory employers and co-workers often create hostile working environments for other employees by consistently violating sexual boundaries.
If you've been the victim of harassment, sexual assault, or even rape in the workplace, it's important to know that you are not alone. While the idea of speaking out may seem intimidating and scary, a knowledgeable victims' rights lawyer can help you find justice. We can help you regain your voice and tell your side of the story.
An experienced victims' rights attorney can help you determine if you have a strong case and help you to hold your employer liable for creating or allowing a hostile work environment. We can also help guide you through the legal process, offering compassionate counsel, a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on.
When a colleague or employer touches you in a sexual way without your consent, workplace sexual harassment becomes sexual assault.
We're all aware of the dangers of sexual predators, but it's hard to imagine being sexually assaulted or raped on the job. Unfortunately, this happens much more often than we would like to believe. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), in the US there were 36,500 workplace rapes and sexual assaults between 1993 and 1999.
If you're one of these victims, you should know that other people have gone through the same thing and that you can recover. We can help. You don't have to go this alone. Our compassionate legal team is here to support you and help you find the strength inside to come forward.
Like other crimes of this nature, workplace sexual assaults are heavily underreported. Many workers desperately need the income and are afraid of losing their jobs if they file a report. No sexual assault survivor should have to fear being punished for reporting the crime.
Allegations of sexual harassment and assault are taken seriously by the criminal justice system, and the police will be on your side. Additionally, a victims' rights attorney can be a powerful ally and help to guide you through the fight for justice.
Any workplace harassment or discrimination based on sex legally qualifies as sexual harassment. This includes both verbal and physical sexual misconduct which creates a hostile work environment. Sexual assault, harassment and discrimination are never the victim's fault.
Any gender can harass or be harassed, and sexual harassment can occur between two people of the same gender. Supervisors, co-workers, employees of other departments, and non-employees who have a business relationship with your workplace can all be guilty of workplace sexual harassment. One dirty joke may not legally qualify as sexual harassment, but serious incidents and repeated patterns do.
Additionally, there is another type of sexual harassment called quid pro quo, which occurs when an employee is offered a job or promotion in exchange for sexual favors or is threatened with a demotion, firing, or another disciplinary action if they don't submit to the request.
Any of the following actions could be defined as sexual harassment:
These are just some of the most common examples of workplace sexual harassment. If a boss or co-worker has been behaving in a manner which makes you feel uncomfortable or harassed in a sexual way, you should consider taking action. We believe you, and we believe your story deserves to be told.
For many victims of sexual harassment, the idea of filing a report can be scary because of a fear of retaliation. Remember that the law is on your side. Our attorneys are on your side, too. Our only job is to ensure that you feel supported as you fight for justice. It's important to speak out about these acts in order to protect both yourself and other co-workers from future sexual misconduct in the workplace.
If you're thinking about filing a claim, we recommend beginning with the following steps:
Recovering from these traumatic experiences can be a long and difficult process, but holding the guilty parties responsible can help you begin to heal. If you've been sexually assaulted or raped at work, you should contact the police as soon as possible. If you need help, we can guide you through the process. We are here to help you every step of the way.
If the crime was recent, resist the urge to wash up or change clothes. You want the police and medical professionals to have the opportunity to gather physical and forensic evidence of the crime. While you're not required to undergo a forensic examination, this is the best way to secure a conviction.
You should also consider speaking with a sexual assault lawyer with a history of representing survivors. In many cases, these crimes occur because of negligence on the part of an employer. For example, your employer may not have done a background check which would have revealed that your attacker had a history of sexual crimes. Or if your attacker had repeatedly sexually harassed you in the past and your employer did nothing to stop it despite being aware, you could also have grounds for a lawsuit.
The criminal justice system takes dangerous predators off the streets and punishes them for their crimes. This is obviously important, but the system doesn't do much towards helping victims. This is why it's necessary to appreciate the value of both criminal and civil court proceedings.
Civil trials help victims by providing compensation and by holding employers accountable for negligence. Additionally, the burden of proof is much lower in civil trials, so victims of attackers who were not prosecuted or have been wrongfully exonerated in criminal court may have recourse by filing a lawsuit.
