Types of Sexual Harassment

There are two common types of sexual harassment that may occur in the workplace: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment. Understanding the difference can help employees recognize inappropriate conduct and understand their legal rights.

Quid pro quo harassment means “this for that” and generally occurs when an employment decision is tied to an employee’s submission to or rejection of unwelcome sexual conduct. For example, if a supervisor suggests that an employee must submit to sexual advances to receive a promotion, keep their job, or receive another employment benefit, the conduct may constitute quid pro quo sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can also create a hostile work environment when unwelcome sexual conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive working environment. The specific circumstances of each situation matter when determining whether conduct meets the legal standard for a hostile work environment.

A hostile work environment may affect an employee who is directly subjected to harassment as well as, in some circumstances, an employee who witnesses or is otherwise affected by the conduct. For example, an employee who is repeatedly subjected to sexually inappropriate comments by a supervisor may experience a hostile work environment. Another employee who regularly witnesses serious harassment may also be affected by the unlawful conduct.

Not every inappropriate or offensive interaction automatically constitutes legally actionable sexual harassment. Whether conduct is unlawful depends on factors such as its nature, severity, frequency, and the circumstances in which it occurred. If you are unsure whether your experience may qualify as workplace sexual harassment, a California sexual harassment lawyer can review your situation and explain your potential options.

Retaliation

Employees who report sexual harassment to their employer, human resources department, or a government agency may fear that speaking up will negatively affect their careers. Employers generally cannot retaliate against employees for engaging in legally protected activity, including reporting certain instances of workplace harassment.

Retaliation can take many forms. An employer may terminate, demote, discipline, reduce the employee’s hours, change their schedule, or otherwise take an adverse employment action because the employee reported harassment or participated in an investigation.

Justice for Sexual Harassment Victims

Sexual harassment can have serious professional and emotional consequences. Depending on the circumstances, employees who successfully establish a sexual harassment claim may be entitled to different forms of relief, which can include lost wages and certain compensatory or other damages.

If an employee is fired, demoted, or otherwise penalized for refusing unwelcome sexual conduct, the employee may have additional legal claims based on the circumstances. Potential remedies can vary depending on the applicable law and facts of the case.

Working with a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand the types of claims you may have and what remedies may be available.

Anyone Can Be a Victim

Sexual harassment can happen in virtually any type of workplace and can affect people of any gender. Although women are frequently associated with sexual harassment claims, men and people of all genders can also experience workplace sexual harassment.

Employers have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent and address workplace harassment. This may include maintaining appropriate workplace policies, providing required training, establishing reporting procedures, and responding appropriately to complaints.

If you are experiencing inappropriate sexual conduct at work, you do not have to handle the situation alone. A workplace sexual harassment attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what steps may be appropriate for your circumstances.

Workplace Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can be difficult to address, particularly when the alleged harasser is a supervisor, manager, or another person with authority over you. Employees may worry that reporting the behavior could affect their job, reputation, or future career opportunities.

A workplace sexual harassment lawyer can help you evaluate the circumstances of your case, preserve relevant evidence, and understand the legal protections that may apply. Important evidence may include emails, text messages, workplace communications, witness information, performance reviews, or documentation of incidents.

Contact Shegerian Conniff Today

If you believe you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, an experienced California sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights and potential legal options.

Shegerian Conniff represents employees facing workplace sexual harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and other employment law violations. Our sexual harassment attorneys in Los Angeles can review the circumstances of your case and help you determine what steps may be appropriate.