When we go to work, there are a number of concerns that can bring about stress. It could be a high-pressure environment, difficult personalities to manage, lofty expectations or financial problems. None of them should be the specter of sexual harassment.
Most people understand that state law (as well as federal law) prohibits both sexual harassment and discriminatory treatment based on an employee’s sex. But recognizing illegal behavior may be easier said than done. Yes, crude jokes and overt touching are actionable offenses, but there may be other behaviors that may toe the line but not cross it. In these situations, an affected employee may be hesitant to come forward to complain; which begs the question: am I being sexually harassed?
This post will help to answer that question.
Basically, legally actionable sexual harassment comes in many forms, including
– Unwanted sexual approaches
– Offensive language of a sexual nature
– Verbal actions of a sexual nature
– Quid pro quo requests of a sexual nature
An example of quid pro quo harassment is when a supervisor offers an advancement in the company if you have sex with them, or conditions future employment upon accepting someone’s advances. Further, if an employee continually directs sexual statements or images towards you and, you do not desire them and they make you uncomfortable, chances are that you have been sexually harassed.
If you have questions about legal remedies to sexual harassment, an experienced employment law attorney can help.
The preceding is not legal advice.