Sexual harassment remains prevalent in diverse settings, spanning workplaces, schools, and public areas. Despite legal protections, individuals encounter unwelcome advances and behaviors that create hostile environments. This underscores the persistent need for awareness and proactive measures to combat sexual harassment. The first step is understanding the different types of sexual harassment and the available legal protections.
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when employment decisions or benefits are conditioned on the submission to unwelcome sexual advances or requests. This type of harassment often involves abusing power, with a supervisor or authority figure leveraging their position. Their goal is to obtain sexual favors from an employee or subordinate in exchange for job opportunities or favorable treatment.
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
Hostile work environment sexual harassment involves behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment based on an individual’s sex. This can include inappropriate comments, jokes, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature that interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job. Hostile work environments create atmospheres of fear or discomfort.
What Are Examples of Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment?
Non-verbal sexual harassment encompasses various forms of unwelcome behavior that may or may not involve explicit verbal communication. Examples include:
- Inappropriate touching or physical contact
- Making suggestive gestures or facial expressions
- Displaying sexually explicit materials or images
- Invading personal space in a sexual manner
- Staring or leering in a sexualized manner
What Is Cyber Sexual Harassment?
Cyber sexual harassment, also known as online sexual harassment, involves the use of digital communication platforms to engage in unwelcome sexual conduct or harassment. This can include sending explicit messages, sharing inappropriate images or videos, or engaging in online stalking or intimidation. Cyber sexual harassment can occur through social media, email, messaging apps, or other online platforms.
What Are Legal Protections for Employees?
Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment in various contexts, including employment, education, housing, and public accommodations. These laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protect against sexual harassment and offer avenues for claimants to pursue legal remedies. If successful, a claimant might be awarded monetary damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees.
What Should I Do If I Experience Sexual Harassment?
We suggest taking these steps if you experience sexual harassment:
- Document the harassment: Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and details of the behavior.
- Report the harassment: Follow your employer’s internal procedures for reporting sexual harassment, and consider filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or counselors for emotional support, and consider consulting with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer to explore your legal options.
How Can a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help Me?
A sexual harassment lawyer can provide valuable guidance and advocacy if you have experienced sexual harassment. They can assess your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the legal process. An experienced attorney can represent your interests in negotiations with your employer, pursue legal action on your behalf, and seek compensation for damages, including emotional distress and lost wages.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. for a Free Consultation
Seeking legal guidance for workplace sexual harassment? Contact an experienced Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. To learn more, submit our online form or call 215-569-1999 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Cherry Hill.
