California Sexual Harassment Attorney
What Is Considered Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace refers to unwelcome and inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. It is a form of discrimination that violates laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the United States.
Sexual harassment can also involve the following unwanted actions:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when job benefits such as promotions, raises, or continued employment are contingent upon the employee submitting to sexual advances or favors. For example, a supervisor may imply or state that an employee must engage in sexual activity to receive a promotion.
- Hostile Work Environment: This form of harassment happens when an employee is subjected to unwelcome sexual behavior that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This includes persistent unwelcome flirting, inappropriate comments, offensive gestures, or unwanted physical contact.
- Sexual Favoritism: Sexual favoritism occurs when a supervisor rewards employees who submit to sexual advances with better job assignments, promotions, or other benefits, leading to a perception of inequality and unfair treatment among employees.
- Retaliation: Retaliation involves adverse actions taken against an employee who has filed a complaint about sexual harassment or participated in an investigation, such as demotion, unjustified negative evaluations, further harassment, or termination.
Specific examples of behaviors that could indicate sexual harassment include:
- Physical Acts: Unwanted touching, hugging, or kissing can create an uncomfortable and hostile work environment. Employees might experience inappropriate physical contact, such as patting or pinching, which can be particularly distressing when it occurs repeatedly or in the presence of others.
- Verbal Conduct: Making sexual comments, jokes, or innuendos can significantly contribute to a toxic workplace atmosphere. Discussions about sexual activities or fantasies, especially when unwelcome, can make employees feel violated and uncomfortable. Additionally, remarks about someone’s appearance or body in a sexual manner can be deeply offensive and degrading.
- Visual and Non-Verbal Conduct: Displaying sexually suggestive posters, cartoons, or objects can create a visually hostile environment for employees. Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or social media messages invades personal boundaries and contributes to an atmosphere of harassment. Making lewd gestures or staring in a sexually suggestive manner can also make employees feel threatened and objectified.
- Other Forms: Persistent and unwelcome propositions for dates can be particularly distressing when an employee feels pressured to comply. Using a position of power to solicit sexual favors in exchange for job benefits undermines the integrity of the workplace and can lead to severe psychological and professional consequences for the victim.
Did you experience any of the above? Call (888) 796-4010 or contact us online to request a free case consultation with our sexual harassment attorney.
Bill Marder is a practiced sexual harassment lawyer at Polaris Law Group who focuses exclusively on helping mistreated employees pursue justice.
He works hard to resolve even the toughest employment cases that other attorneys often turn down. Once you meet with Bill, he will file a suit within the first few days of your meeting.
When Can I Hold My Employer Liable for Sexual Harassment?
If you are the victim of sexual harassment, you should report it to your supervisor or Human Resources Department. If this activity continues despite your complaints, you can take legal action and seek damages for your mistreatment.
Victims of sexual harassment may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Lost wages
- And emotional suffering
California law demands that an employer take all necessary steps to prevent harassment. If there is no policy or program in place to prevent harassment, a company may be held liable for failing to take steps to prevent harassment.
In California, businesses can be held liable for sexual harassment if:
- The employee involved was a supervisor, manager, owner, or an executive of the company
- The company had actual knowledge of the harassment in cases where the employee was not a supervisor
- An employee reported the harassment to a supervisor and the activity happened again
Bill Marder Can Help Protect You; Call (888) 796-4010 to Begin
If you have suffered from sexual harassment or other forms of gender discrimination, you can count on Bill Marder to help you fight for justice. He has more than 25 years of legal experience and will only charge you if he wins your case.
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To retain the services of a practiced sexual harassment attorney who has recovered millions of dollars' worth of compensation, contact Attorney Marder at (888) 796-4010 or reach out online now!
Why Choose Polaris Law Group?
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Willing to Fight for You When Other Lawyers Won’t Take Your Case
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Lawsuits Are Filed Within a Few Days of Consultation
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Payment Is Only Required If a Full Recovery Is Made
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Committed to Efficient & Effective Legal Services
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More Than 25 Years of Experience in Employment Law
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Free Consultations to Evaluate Your Case