The issue of on-the-job sexual harassment. These days, women make up more than half of the U.S. workforce, a big change since the 1970s. But what has not changed is the issue of on-the-job sexual harassment.
Harassment comes in all forms based on age, national origin, and gender. Sexual harassment is the predominant form of harassment in the workplace, says an attorney who specializes in sexual harassment litigation and counseling.
On Tuesday, the attorney told The Early Show that sexual harassment is relatively prevalent, but employers are doing a lot to make sure they stop it when it’s reported, and prevent it before it happens. Employers hold training seminars, and have updated their policies and handbooks.
The legal definition of sexual harassment is: comments or conduct
The legal definition of sexual harassment is: comments or conduct that women are exposed to that is offensive to the reasonable women and affects the terms and conditions of their employment.
Examples include shoulder rubbing and offensive e-mails, jokes and comments. Sexual harassment usually creates a hostile work environment. If it’s on a day-to-day basis and offensive to the employee, then it can be actionable. A single incident is not enough, but if it happens on a repeated basis and the employee says it’s unwelcome, then it may be actionable.
Employers must be put on notice. If an employee doesn’t say anything, then the employer can’t take any action. Sometimes the harassment involves a supervisor, but the employee can go up the chain or go to their human resources department. Once on notice, the employer has a chance to act appropriately and take the necessary steps. But if sexual harassment is reported and the employer doesn’t take the appropriate actions, then it can be actionable.
You can win damages if you are demoted or fired because of the harassment, or if you sustain emotional distress.
Need Legal Help Regarding Sexual Harassment?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
