Have You Suffered Sexual Harassment?
At Venardi Zurada LLP, our Fairfield sexual harassment lawyers understand how damaging sexual harassment in the workplace can be. Various laws prohibit any harassment based on sex, and workers have the right to take legal action if they experience such treatment. If you have suffered from sexual harassment, you may be entitled to financial compensation, as well as other remedies.
One type of sexual harassment is quid pro quo. This is an offer of sex in exchange for something, like a pay raise or promotion. In other situations, a boss will threaten to fire a worker unless they consent to sex. Quid pro quo means “this for that,” which sums up the transactional nature of this harassment.
A hostile work environment is another type of sexual harassment. A workplace should be free of intimidation and offensive conduct. Although a stray offensive comment is unlikely to make a workplace hostile, you have a claim when the hostility is pervasive or extreme.
Some harassing conduct includes:
- Name-calling
- Unwelcome touching
- Slurs
- Sexualized or offensive images
- Sexual banter
- Sexual gestures
- Stereotypes based on gender or sex
- Sexualized nicknames
You are also protected from retaliation. Many workers fear losing their jobs or being demoted, which may cause them to remain silent. However, your employer cannot take negative action against you for reporting sexual harassment or for participating in an investigation.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment, speak with an employment attorney at Venardi Zurada LLP today to understand your rights and pursue justice.
Misconceptions about Sexual Harassment
Many workers believe certain myths about harassment:
- Only women can be harassed. Actually, anyone can be harassed. Men, women, and those who are non-binary or gender diverse are all victims of harassment.
- Only men are harassers. Just as anyone can be a victim, anyone could harass. The gender does not matter.
- It’s not harassment if it’s same-sex harassment. Again, harassment can include a man harassing another man or a woman harassing a woman.
- It’s only harassment if my boss propositions me. That is one type of harassment. But you can also have a claim for a hostile workplace. Your coworkers can make a workplace hostile through offensive conduct and comments. Not all comments need to be sexualized, either. Someone who makes grossly offensive stereotypes about men or women can create a hostile environment, even if they are not flirting with you.
- No one believes a woman who alleges harassment. Some people might be skeptical. But that’s one reason to consult an experienced lawyer. We can help you document the harassment, including through witness statements, emails or texts, and other messages.
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Fairfield Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Our lawyers are committed to hearing about your experience and helping you take action if you are being harassed. We can assist you in documenting the conduct and pursuing legal recourse. Speak with one of our Fairfield sexual harassment lawyers. Call us now at (833) 893-6763 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
