In a professional landscape where respect and fair treatment should be non-negotiable, navigating the complexities of workplace harassment can be overwhelming. You might find yourself in a distressing situation, unsure of the best steps to take when facing any form of sexual harassment at work. It’s crucial to recognize when the line has been crossed and when seeking the guidance of experienced sexual harassment attorneys becomes essential.
Am I Being Sexually Harassed at Work?
When identifying sexual harassment in the workplace, you must know it isn’t just limited to explicit behavior. It can manifest in various forms during different times throughout employment. You may feel uncomfortable, distressed, or unfairly treated due to the sexual nature of the conduct.
Unwanted Advances
Unwanted advances are a significant facet of sexual harassment. These could be anything from an unwanted comment, joke, physical touching, or contact to persistent requests for dates or intimacy despite clear indications of disinterest or discomfort. This kind of conduct constitutes sexual harassment.
Even seemingly innocent gestures or actions can become harassment when the conduct is unwanted and persistent.
Verbal Harassment
Offensive comments play a profound role, too. Verbal harassment can take many forms, from derogatory remarks about your gender or appearance to throwing sexually explicit jokes around or language that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment. It’s not just about what’s explicitly said but also about how it makes you feel—uncomfortable, distressed, or unfairly singled out due to the nature of the comments.
Hostile Work Environment
The creation of a hostile work environment due to sexual jokes or remarks is a significant issue. When sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, or even inappropriate conversations become a regular occurrence in a workplace, it can make you feel isolated, uncomfortable, and anxious. It’s about the impact these remarks have on the work environment, potentially affecting your ability to perform your job effectively due to the discomfort or distress caused by these interactions.
Signs That Demand Legal Attention
In any situation, seeking internal help from your company’s HR is the first step. However, this step may not always resolve your issue or even worsen the situation. In such cases, you need legal support by your side to protect your rights.
Here are some signs indicating when to seek legal action immediately:
Persistent Harassment:
When unwanted sexual conduct persists despite your clear objection, it becomes a red flag. It might include unwelcome advances, comments, or actions that persist even after you’ve expressed discomfort or explicitly stated your disinterest. This persistence indicates a serious problem and that you need legal intervention to protect your rights and well-being in the workplace.
Hostile Work Environment:
What seems like simply workplace banter among colleagues can easily turn into harassment. A workplace filled with offensive remarks, sexual jokes, or any form of unwelcome conduct creates an atmosphere where individuals feel uncomfortable, anxious, or distressed. It’s not just about a single incident but a consistent pattern that contributes to a hostile environment. This environment significantly impacts productivity and mental health, which is why you should seek legal guidance to address and rectify such situations.
Quid Pro Quo:
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs in any situation where advancement or consequences are tied to accepting or rejecting sexual advances or other conduct of a sexual nature. These situations involve linking professional opportunities or consequences to accepting or rejecting sexual advances. This can manifest in scenarios where your career progression or job security is tied to complying with unwanted advances or suffering repercussions for rejecting them.
Sexual harassment quid pro quo is a severe violation that demands immediate legal attention to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
Reporting Policies Ignored:
When your employer fails to address or take action upon your reports of harassment, it’s a clear indication that the internal protocols are being disregarded. Your employer’s responsibility includes investigating and resolving harassment complaints promptly and effectively. If they fail to do so, legal intervention might become necessary to ensure your grievances are heard and addressed appropriately.
What Can Sexual Harassment Lawyers Do for You?
When dealing with sexual harassment, you’re not alone. Experienced lawyers in related practice can assist in understanding your rights and options. BLG, a team of top-rated and experienced Las Vegas sexual harassment lawyers, offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Here’s how our reliable and proficient sexual harassment attorneys specializing in workplace issues can assist you:
Evaluation of Your Case: We meticulously evaluate the specifics of your situation. We analyze the details, incidents, evidence, and context to determine if the conduct you’ve experienced aligns with the legal definition of sexual harassment. This evaluation is crucial in determining the viability of a potential case under prevailing laws and regulations.
Guidance on Reporting: Navigating the employer’s sexual harassment reporting policies and procedures can be intricate and overwhelming. As legal experts in this field, we provide invaluable guidance. We help you understand the steps involved in reporting harassment internally, ensuring that your complaint is filed effectively and in accordance with the organization’s protocols.
Legal Representation: Your case may not always reach a trial. But, should your case escalate to legal disputes or sexual harassment civil lawsuits, we serve as your advocate. We represent your interests, presenting your case before relevant authorities, administrative bodies, or in court. Our expertise in litigation and familiarity with the legal system ensures that your side of the story is effectively communicated and legally defended.
Protection of Rights: Throughout the legal process, we prioritize protecting your rights. We ensure that you are shielded from any form of retaliation or further harassment from your sexual harasser, or any other person, as a consequence of filing a complaint or pursuing legal action. We work diligently to safeguard your well-being and professional interests during what can often be a challenging and sensitive time. In case you lose your job during the trial as a retaliation, we will work to get you front pay, assuming reinstatement, back pay, etc., as compensated damages.
What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Harassed at Work?
If you’re experiencing unwelcome conduct or a hostile work environment, here’s what you can do:
Document Everything: Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and any correspondence related to the harassment.
Report the Sexual Harassment: Notify your employer or the designated sexual harassment official within the organization. To the extent possible, follow your company’s sexual harassment reporting policy, which can most likely be found in your organization’s employee handbook.
Contact Experienced Attorneys: Don’t hesitate to reach out to top rated sexual harassment lawyers who understand the laws in Las Vegas and can guide you through the process.
Hire Top-Rated Sexual Harassment Lawyers at BLG
Facing sexual harassment at work is distressing and challenging, but remember, you have rights and options available to protect yourself. Don’t let unwelcome conduct or a hostile environment go unaddressed. Seek the guidance and support you need from a seasoned Las Vegas sexual harassment lawyer to address these distressing situations.
BLG isn’t just a team of lawyers—we’re advocates for justice. We’ve been assisting people nationwide in sexual harassment cases for years, offering legal guidance and winning cases for them.
Take the first step toward justice. Contact BLG for a free consultation and empower yourself with legal guidance to reclaim your rights and dignity in the workplace.
FAQs
What is a sexually hostile work environment?
Answer: A sexually hostile work environment refers to an atmosphere created by offensive remarks, sexual jokes, or other unwelcome conduct based upon sex that makes the workplace uncomfortable or distressing. It’s not just about a single incident, unless extremely severe, but a pervasive pattern that affects an individual’s ability to reasonably perform their jobs.
Should I report sexual harassment internally before seeking legal help?
Answer: It’s advisable to report incidents of harassment according to your company’s policies. However, seeking legal guidance simultaneously can help you understand your rights and the best approach to handle the situation.
What do you say to HR about harassment?
Answer: Provide details such as dates, times, and locations of the occurrences. Describe the type of harassment—whether verbal, physical, or visual—and how it has made you feel uncomfortable or distressed. Mention any witnesses or evidence supporting your report.
Express the impact the harassment has had on your work or well-being and clearly state the action you expect HR to take, whether it’s an investigation, intervention, or preventive measures. Stay professional during the conversation, and follow up to ensure appropriate action is being taken regarding your report.
How can I document incidents of sexual harassment?
Answer: Keeping a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and any communication related to the harassment, can strengthen your case. Save emails, texts, or any written evidence that supports your claims.
1-800-870-8910