Santa Ana Sexual Harassment Attorney
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, it is essential to seek legal help. Not only is it a scary and traumatizing experience, but you may be entitled to damages. An experienced Santa Ana sexual harassment attorney can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. You don’t need to suffer in silence any longer. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
How to Know if You’re Being Sexually Harassed in the Workplace
It’s important to identify sexual harassment in the workplace so you can take action to put a stop to it. To do this, you need to know the different types of workplace sexual harassment. There are two: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid quo pro harassment occurs when a supervisor makes sexual advances that are unwelcome, requests favors of a sexual nature, or participates in other physical or verbal conduct that is sexual, and makes employment decisions based on your reactions to the behavior. This type of harassment occurs when:
- A supervisor explicitly or implicitly presents these behaviors as a term or condition of an individual’s employment.
- Employment decisions, such as promotions, raises, vacations, etc., are made based on whether you submit to or reject the advances.
An example would be if your boss said you had to sleep with them to keep your job.
Hostile Work Environment
Hostile work environment harassment occurs when the behavior is severe and pervasive enough to make a reasonable person in the victim’s shoes feel intimidated or offended and interferes with their ability to do the job. An example would be if you were repeatedly subjected to lewd comments, unwanted touching, or explicit emails from a coworker.
Some examples of behavior that could constitute this type of sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
- Unwanted touching or groping
- Repeated requests for dates after being turned down
- Use of demeaning terms
- Making lewd comments about someone’s body or clothing
- Sending explicit emails or texts
- Showing someone pornographic images without their consent
- Displaying pornographic images in an office where others can see them
- Making sexual comments or jokes, even if they aren’t directed at anyone in particular
What To Do if You’re Being Sexually Harassed In The Workplace
If you’re being sexually harassed in the workplace, you’re likely in a very difficult and uncomfortable position. It can be helpful to consider what steps you can take.
- First, try and resolve the issue directly with the alleged harasser if possible and if you feel comfortable doing so. It is possible that the harassing behavior was unintentional and simply due to a misunderstanding. Often, merely bringing attention to the fact that the conduct is unwelcome will be enough to get it to stop.
- If you do not feel comfortable approaching the alleged harasser directly or speaking with them does not resolve the issue, file a complaint with your company’s human resources department. Your employer should have procedures for handling sexual harassment claims and will promptly and discreetly investigate your claim.
- If the harassment continues or you don’t feel comfortable taking either of the above steps, contact an experienced sexual harassment attorney immediately for help.
Why Choose Sessions & Kimball To Help You
The Santa Ana employment lawyers at our firm are dedicated to helping victims of sexual harassment get the justice they deserve. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and we will do everything we can to help you fight for justice. You should choose us because we:
- Are always available to answer your questions and concerns.
- Will always keep you up-to-date on the status of your case.
- Will treat you with the respect and compassion necessary to handle these types of claims.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it is crucial to contact an experienced Santa Ana sexual harassment attorney who can help you protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.