Sexual harassment has become a pervasive topic in the news during recent months. In the fallout of many accusations, those who are not in the spotlight are summoning the courage to come forward, and those in positions of judgment are taking the issue very seriously. Recently in New Jersey, a judge ordered a tow company operator to pay an employee who was sexually harassed $57,920 for her emotional distress and lost wages, along with another $52,350 to the state in fines and penalties. The judge focused on the plight of the victim, a single mother, who had to quit her job under the duress of intolerable working conditions.
Recognizing Sexual Harassment
It is vital to recognize sexual harassment as soon as it occurs. Sexual harassment is divided into several categories, including:
- Visual: This may include sexually explicit drawings, posters, emails, and more.
- Non-Sexual: This is when a male or female is harassed in the workplace purely because of their gender.
- Verbal or Written: This covers a wide range of offenses, such as sexual comments about attire, personality, or physical appearance, repeatedly asking someone out, requesting sexual favors, threatening a person with sexual advances, sexual jokes, and more.
- Nonverbal: This category may include stalking, making hand gestures or facial expressions that are sexual in nature, or staring at someone’s body parts.
- Physical: This includes assault, obstruction of movement, unwanted touching, hugging, and kissing.
- Severe: If sexual harassment includes a single incident rather than being pervasive, it is severe. For example, attempted rape would be considered severe sexual harassment.
If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, you need a Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer who understands your case. Call The Gold Law Firm P.C. today at 215-569-1999, or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Our knowledgeable lawyers will fight for your rights. We serve clients throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
