Sexual harassment can be from a boss, a coworker, or even someone who doesn’t work for the same business. Businesses have an obligation to prevent sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is against the law in California. Anything that is related to sex, and that makes you uncomfortable, can be sexual harassment if it is severe or pervasive. Sexual harassment includes:
- demanding sexual favors by threatening to fire a person, not hire them, or make their job worse or by promising benefits (this is known as “quid pro quo”)
- retaliating for not giving in to sexual favors, or for complaining about sexual harassment
- unwanted advances of a romantic or sexual nature
- commenting on a person’s appearance or behavior
- peeping on employees or leering at them
- unwanted touching or fondling
- rape and sexual assault
- having sexually inappropriate discussions in the work place
- pornography in the workplace
- sending obscene or inappropriate text messages
- spreading true or false rumors
- making employees uncomfortable by sexually harassing anyone else
Employees have the right to be free from sexual harassment. Independent contractors and other people also have the right to be free from sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is not the victim’s fault! People who commit sexual harassment tend to be repeat offenders who intentionally size up people as potential victims before attacking them. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, do not blame yourself and do not be embarrassed to seek help.
If you are concerned that you have been the victim of sexual harassment in employment, I recommend that you talk to an experienced sexual harassment lawyer today for a free consultation.