Sexual Harassment: It Still Happens
In recent years, employers and employees have become more sensitized to sexual harassment. People know that it is against the law. But sexual harassment still exists in some workplaces.
At Girardi | Keese, our employment law attorneys find that sexual harassment has decreased because of so many successful lawsuits that raised the awareness of employers to provide an appropriate work environment. When sexual harassment does exist, it is less open, more hidden.
There are two basic types of sexual harassment.
The people most often affected by sexual harassment are women. There are also cases, though, of harassment against men, especially men in gay relationships. Most cases we see at Girardi | Keese fall into two basic categories:
- Quid pro quo is one category — you do this for me and I'll do that for you. Sexual favors may be required for a promotion, a raise or to get a job. The practice is illegal.
- A hostile work environment is another category. The harassed person is subjected to taunts, words, unwanted contact — usually from coworkers. If the employer knows and does nothing to stop the harassment, the business can be held liable for damages.
Diligent discovery can bring out the truth.
The lawyers at Girardi | Keese know that many employers will do everything possible to hide sexual harassment. We have the experience and determination to get to the truth through the discovery process — questioning the people involved. Sexual harassment rarely occurs in a vacuum. In many cases, the coverup attempt — including retaliation — proves the case.
Contact us to discuss a sexual harassment claim against an employer. Our employment law attorneys represent clients in California and nationwide.
