Los Angeles Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Are You Facing Sexual Harassment at Work? Speak With Our Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Workplace sexual harassment is a serious issue. It affects both men and women, young and old, gay and straight. At work, every employee has a right to feel safe, comfortable and respected. So, if you are facing sexual harassment at work, call our sexual harassment lawyers in Los Angeles at (310) 919-0091. We can help you understand your legal options and determine whether we can help you assert your legal rights against your employer and the individual harassing you.

What Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, California has comparable statutes that extend even greater rights to employees. Under the law, sexual harassment includes many kinds of unwanted actions or behaviors that adversely affect an employee’s work conditions. Below, our Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys explain types and examples of workplace sexual harassment.

California Laws Against Sexual Harassment

Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, sexual harassment in employment takes two forms: quid pro quo (literally, "something for something") harassment and hostile work environment harassment.

What Are the Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Most workplace sexual harassment claims fall under two types of sexual harassment:

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo means “something for something” in Latin. Generally, it describes a type of sexual harassment where an employee is pressured to engage in sexual activity in exchange for promotion, retention of job, or some other type of employment benefit. For instance, an example of quid pro quo sexual harassment involves The Bachelorette contestant Chad Johnson. The producer offered him two movie roles in exchange for having sex with a female producer. As a result of turning down the offer, the producer terminated him and stripped the movie roles away from him. Johnson decided to file a sexual harassment suit against the producer and the production company.

Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment

Under California law, this type of harassment exists when the harassment so alters the working conditions of the employee as to make it more difficult to do his or her job. A single incident of harassing conduct is sufficient to establish the existence of a hostile work environment if the harassing conduct has unreasonably interfered with the plaintiff’s work performance or created an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. Because the existence of a hostile work environment depends on the totality of the circumstances, even a single inappropriate remark may be relevant to establishing harassment.

If you are experiencing sexual harassment, our Los Angeles lawyers are here to help. Contact us.

What Are the Forms of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment may present itself in a variety of forms. For example:

• Email harassment. The perpetrator can use digital media, such as email, social media, or other forms of communication to harass a victim.
• Same-sex harassment. Sexual harassment is not only relegated to men who make unwanted sexual advances toward women. Sexual harassment can be between two men or two women. The sex or gender involved does not make it any less traumatic for the victim, or any less inappropriate for the workplace.
• Harassment based on sexual orientation. Sexual harassment occurs when a person is taunted, mocked, or penalized because of sexual orientation.

What Are Common Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment comes in many different shapes and forms. For example, it can be between a supervisor and a subordinate employee. It can be between coworkers, both male and female. Or, it can be a hostile, sexually-charged work environment that makes someone feel uncomfortable.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can range from inappropriate comments to unwanted touching. In some cases, it may rise to the level of sexual assault at work and criminal prosecution. For example, sexual harassment in the workplace may include, but is not limited to:

• Request for sexual favors
• Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• Making crude or sexual remarks or gestures
• Sending pornography without consent
• Leering, impeding or blocking movement

If you are a victim of sexual harassment at work, you should speak to a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney as soon as possible. We can help you determine what evidence is needed to successfully pursue your case. No matter your sex, gender, age, marital status or sexual orientation, you have a right to a workplace free from harassment.

What Can I Do To Legally Protect Myself Against Sexual Harassment?

Read up on sexual harassment policies at your workplace

Document everything

Report any issues

Contact an attorney

How Can Your Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers Help Me?

There are a lot of myths about sexual harassment, but the reality is that sexual harassment in the workplace happens often. Every day, employees are tormented by coworkers or supervisors with inappropriate comments, unwanted sexual advances, and, in some cases, sexual assault.

You have a right to work in an environment that is not hostile. Also, you have protection against retaliation for reporting sexual harassment claims. But, without a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer, you might not know where to begin. And that’s where we come in.

At our Los Angeles employment law firm, we make sure your employer hears your story loud and clear. We make sure that the people responsible for your harassment pay the price. We understand that being a victim of sexual harassment can be a traumatic experience. Because of this, our Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys will work with you to help you make important decisions about your legal rights.

Contact Our Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Los Angeles

Are you suffering from workplace sexual harassment or another type of workplace harassment? We are based in Los Angeles, and we may be able to help you. We encourage you to reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you stand up for your rights.

Call us at (310) 919-0091 or fill out our online contact form today to speak with a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer.