How to Speak Out About Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment has become a major concern within the workplace during the past decade. Although it happens more often than many would like to admit, especially in large cities like Los Angeles. That doesn’t make it easy to talk about and speak out on. Workplace behavior should be called out though and if you have seen it taking place or have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you have the right and the responsibility to make it known. If the situation has gone too far, turn to a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer who is well-versed in such cases. Don’t go it alone when there is legal assistance available.

Being a witness to something as unethical as sexual harassment puts you in a tough spot, no doubt. But not speaking out about it puts you in a worse predicament. If no one calls out the bad behavior, nothing changes. People get hurt and nothing becomes of it. Be the one who makes the difference.

What does Sexual Harassment Entail?

Sexual harassment is pressure or intimidation placed upon a person using implied sexual overtones including inappropriate, unwelcome, and unsolicited behavior with promises of rewards for sexual favors. In the workplace, such behavior may involve advancements at the workplace as the favors.

Sexual harassment often targets people for their gender, gender identity, age, or another sexually oriented trait. It is often initiated by a person in authority such as a supervisor. Most cases are men targeting women but that’s not always true. Sexual harassment interferes with the victim’s ability to perform their job description and is hard on those who witness it to because they are put in a position to where they have to do the right thing and speak out or keep quiet and enable the bad behavior.

California law protects an employee’s right to work and to be able to perform their job without being sexually harassed. An individual who is being sexually harassed at the workplace can file a civil suit against the perpetrator. By contacting an Employment Lawyer Los Angeles CA so the problem will be one step closer to being solved. Speak out against what is wrong whether it is you being victimized or someone else. Remember, workplace harassment is never alright.

Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Have you ever felt uncomfortable because your boss was touching your arm or sweeping past you a little too closely? Maybe you weren’t the victim, but you witnessed a coworker being sexually harassed – verbally, nonverbally, or physically.

Some examples of sexual harassment include:

• Touching
• Brushing up against someone too close
• Inappropriate subjects and jokes
• Excessive staring and eye contact
• Noises such as whistling
• Physically kissing
• Sharing pornographic material
• Excessive flirting
• Sexual intercourse

 No one deserves to be victimized, especially in sexual manner. You’d love to think such behavior would never happen at a professional workplace. But it does. You’d also like to hope that if it was happening to you, someone would speak out in your defense. Often that never happens.

Taking Action Against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

If you are witness to someone who is being victimized or a sexual predator who is inappropriate with more than one employee or the entire group, it’s time to act.

1. Speak to the person who oversees such situations. Even if you are not being heard as you make your voice known, you can always refer back to the time, place, and person you went to so make sure it’s documented.
2. File a formal complaint with the company and with the federal Employment Opportunity Commission or California Human Rights Commissions.
3. Once you have completed the steps above, seek counsel from an Employment Lawyer Los Angeles, CA who can guide you through the legal process and put an end to the abuse. Of course, you don’t have to have an attorney but tending to a sexual harassment case is quite a charge for someone with no legal experience. It’s best to have representation from an attorney who specializes in such matters.

It’s time to stop ignoring the facts like the perpetration doesn’t exist. When you do, you are putting your stamp of approval on the action in a way. Those who participate in sexual harassment at the workplace are bullies of the worst kind.

You can confront the perpetrator if you choose to but beware – most people who are capable of sexual harassment are not inclined to listen to reason, especially if they feel threatened. There is also a chance they will go for revenge. Regardless of whether you confront the person or not, don’t let that take the place of bringing legal justice to the victim. Sexual harassment at the workplace is wrong and it should be treated as such. Don’t back down. Speak to a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer today.

The Clock is Ticking

Workplace disputes, like sexual harassment in the workplace has time limits in the State of California called a statute of limitations. The claim must be filed before a year has passed from the last time the victim suffered sexual harassment from the perpetrator which means you want to speak to a lawyer long before the cut-off point. Plus, the longer you wait, the less valid the claim can appear to be. Don’t hesitate. Act now.

Point Law Group Los Angeles Employment Lawyer are On Your Side

If you are looking for an expert in both employment law and sexual harassment cases, contact Point Law Group. The legal team of experts bring years of experience to the table and will fight for your rights in the workplace. They are also sensitive to the fact that speaking about sexual harassment can be uncomfortable and that bringing a claim takes great courage. You are doing the right thing so don’t put it off. Call today for a no-obligation consultation – (310) 560-0606.