Banning Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual harassment at work can encompass various scenarios and occur in many different ways. When a colleague, boss, or customer sexually harasses you, you have legal protections and rights and may pursue legal action to hold the responsible party legally and financially accountable.

You may seek compensation from the person harassing you to hold them responsible for their actions. Contact a Banning workplace harassment lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group if you need help with a case.

Examples of Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace

There are two primary forms of unlawful sexual conduct in the workplace. The first is called quid pro quo and involves someone of authority stating or implying that someone can advance or increase their pay by fulfilling sexual favors.

The second is a hostile work environment, and persistent sexual misconduct, including threatening, intimidating, or persuasion, affects the victim’s ability to handle their job duties. Some examples of sexual misconduct and harassment on the job include the following:

• Supervisors engaging in quid pro quo misconduct by requesting sexual favors in exchange for pay or career advancement
• Hostile conduct, including sexual jokes, gestures, comments, or visual material
• Harassment from non-employees, such as clients or other third parties related to the business
• Verbal harassment, such as persistent requests for dates or sexual favors or sexual innuendos and jokes
• Physical harassment, including unwanted touching, groping, or hugging
• Visual harassment, such as sending indecent pictures or other offensive material

Employees in California have legal rights protecting them and may file a complaint with the state or pursue damages through a civil lawsuit. After reviewing the case specifics, a Banning workplace sexual harassment attorney could answer specific questions about the process and proper steps.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act

The federal Civil Rights Act of 1991 prohibits sexual harassment or misconduct in the workplace. The state also enforces legislation called the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Under the bill, it is unlawful for businesses employing five or more employees to allow their staff to partake or engage in any form of sexual harassment.

The legislation holds employers legally responsible for employees’ actions, including staff, agents, supervisors, and managers. The state can hold company owners financially accountable for any form of sexual misconduct, whether they are aware that it is happening or not. The regulations also prohibit employer retaliation, such as demotion or termination, against employees for reporting harassment. Business owners must take reasonable action to prevent unlawful acts from happening with clear anti-harassment policies, ongoing training, and quick action to investigate and address complaints.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct to Employers

Reporting sexual misconduct to employers is often a frightening but vital step to address and resolve the problem. Many companies address sexual harassment and reporting policies in the employee handbook. Familiarizing yourself with the proper channels and reporting procedures is essential.

Documenting the harassment, such as the dates, times, locations, and details of each incident, is also critical for supporting the case. After preparing and learning about the policies, the victim can report the complaint to their immediate supervisor or the human resources department. A workplace sexual harassment lawyer in Banning understands the stressful situation and could provide sound legal advice and guidance.

Speak to a Banning Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

Sexual harassment or misconduct at work is unlawful, and you have every right to defend yourself from abusive co-workers, bosses, or customers. Taking legal action to hold your employer or person harassing you requires courage, and having a sound support system is vital.

A qualified Banning workplace sexual harassment lawyer could support you with legal advice, experience, and guidance to help you reach a favorable outcome. Call Walter Clark Legal Group to schedule a free consultation with a skilled legal professional and learn more.