Delaware County Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Defending Against Sexual Harassment in the Delaware Valley
Despite countless high profile cases and significant cultural changes in our society in the past years, sexual harassment still persists in the workplace. Sexual harassment affects all genders and races and creates a hostile work environment for everyone involved.
At The Gold Law Firm P.C., our Delaware County sexual harassment lawyers have fought against workplace discrimination and harassment for over 40 years. And while no two cases are the same, many share overlapping qualities and patterns.
What is Sexual Harassment?
The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission characterizes sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Sexual harassment can be characterized as:
- Brushing against someone
- Disparaging remarks about one’s sex
- Hugging, kissing, or groping
- Staring
- Unwanted sexual advances
Sexual harassment does not always have to be physical or verbal, and can include an offending party leaving inappropriate gifts or notes.
Quid Pro Quo
When an employer or coworker makes a proposition to an employee that includes an exchange of sexual favors for a job promotion or other incentive, it is known as a quid pro quo agreement, or something for something. Employees may feel obliged into such an agreement out of fear of retaliation or loss of their job. Quid pro quo agreements are not always for sexual favors, however. Some employers will mask their intent by offering dates instead. Such proposals—while they may be less aggressive than asking for sexual favors—are just as malicious, and are still considered to be sexual harassing behaviors.
Sexual Harassment is a Misnomer
Despite the general perception, sexual harassment does not always have to be sexual in nature. Degrading remarks and jokes as long as they are recurring can be considered as harassment. In many cases, offending parties will claim that they were only joking or that an individual is overreacting to a statement. While laws do not protect against simple teasing or awkward incidents, they can be considered harassment if they are recurring.
How to Proceed if You Are a Victim of Sexual Harassment
Instances of sexual harassment should be meticulously documented and reported. It is important to notify your human resources department and ensure that they are documenting the instances of sexual harassment. You should also request copies of their reports for your own records. Additionally, you should file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and then seek the legal counsel of our Delaware County sexual harassment lawyers. Understand that, depending on where you are employed, you must report all instances within a certain timeframe.
Delaware County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Offer Counsel on all Employment Law Issues
If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual harassment, understand that you have a limited timeframe in which to report it. To avoid any complications in your case, keep instances of harassment well-documented and make sure to consult with your human resources department as well as the Delaware County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C.. Our team will do whatever we can to hold your harassers accountable for their actions and will pursue the maximum amount of compensation allowable for your case. Contact us online or call our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offices at 215-569-1999. We have advocated for employee rights in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Philadelphia County, Bucks County, and Chester County as well as New Jersey and New York.
