If you are dealing with unwanted advances in the workplace, any sexual harassment lawyer Los Angeles has to offer is prepared to help you fight for your rights. During the Fiscal Year of 2014, there were a total of 88,778 claims having to do with discrimination. Out of these claims, 26,027 had to do with sex. That is a total of 29.3%. Harassment lawyers in Los Angeles are prepared to assist you with your claims and can provide you with the justice you deserve.
Common Effects of Sexual Harassment on the Victim
Sexual harassment victims fear to speak up against the harasser out fear of losing their job. Since Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids employers from retaliation, you as a victim have the right to stand up for yourself and the right to fight back against the harasser. Sexual harassment can affect many individuals, even those who are not directly involved in the harassment.
Those who don’t fight against the harasser often experience a wide range of results, such as:
- Becoming publicly sexualized
- Scrutiny and gossip lead to humiliation and objectification
- Work performance decreases
- Defamation of reputation and character
- Personal relationships become strained leading to possible divorce
- Lifestyle and private life come under attack
- Loss of employment
- Loss of reference and recommendations
Thankfully, Title VII helps combat these consequences.
Different types of Sexual Harassment
There are two basic types of sexual harassment that are claimed on a regular basis, Quid Pro Quo (this for that) or Hostile Work Environment. Both cases can occur in a variety of situations.
Quid Pro Quo
This term refers to situations such as employment decisions requiring the employee to comply with a sexual favor in order to receive approval or advancement. It is harassment if everyday situations such as assignment, promotions or trying to keep your job are met with the employee being required to conduct a sexual act.
Hostile Work Environment
This refers to conditions where the workplace has become hostile, intimidating, or offensive due to the sexual harassment. There are several factors taken into consideration when determining that an environment is hostile:
- Was the conduct verbal, physical, or both
- How frequently has it occurred
- Was the conduct hostile or patently offensive
- Was the harasser a co-worker or supervisor
- Did others join on the harassing
- Was the harassment directed at more than one individual
Anyone can be sexually harassed. Title VII covers both male and female. Additionally, sexual harassment doesn’t have to come from the opposite sex. Likewise, the harasser is not always the supervisor. It can come from a co-worker or from other regularly encountered individuals. Sexual harassment can also be experienced indirectly; those who endure indirect harassment are often witnessing actions that are offensive.
In many quid pro quo cases, sexual advances that are linked to approval or rejection of employment or loss of employment benefits, often constitute harassment. In some states, there additional laws to Title VII which add additional protection. You should refer to your state’s relevant laws, or if you are an Angeleno, contact any sexual harassment lawyer Los Angeles can provide. They are well prepared and ready to help you fight for your rights. Don’t fight this alone. They are here to fight for you.
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