What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Professionalism is absolutely essential in the workplace and is the pillar of an efficient work environment. Over recent years, many companies have taken on a more modern workspace, providing a comfortable and inclusive workplace for their employees, mimicking companies like Facebook and Google and shifting from traditional cubicles to a more open environment for employees.
And while many companies have experienced such positive feedback for this type of change, there is one concern that (unfortunately) has been a consistent issue for some. One of the biggest concerns is sexual harassment in the workplace. With the #MeToo movement, more and more companies have incorporated sexual harassment prevention strategies, such as company policies and annual training to prevent such behavior in the workplace. Although sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal, it unfortunately still occurs.
If you believe you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, it is imperative that you reach out to a trusted employment lawyer Los Angeles, such as the team at Point Law Group. At Point Law Group, we specialize in representing victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. Contact our team today for a free consultation with a reputable employment attorney Los Angeles to learn more about your legal options and how we can help.
What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is characterized by any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that can be physical, verbal, or non-verbal of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal and it can affect an individuals overall work performance, creating an offensive, intimidating, or hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can occur in a variety of ways and is an all-encompassing term for any form of sexual discrimination that can range from as small as inappropriate sexual jokes to as extreme as inappropriate sexual actions.
Victims of workplace sexual harassment can file a sexual harassment claim or lawsuit to hold the liable parties responsible for such behavior and the victims can pursue compensation for emotional and physical damages.
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace and are in need of a trusted employment attorney Los Angeles to provide you with advice on how to handle the situation going forward, our team is here to help every step of the way. Contact Point Law Group for a free consultation with an employment lawyer Los Angeles.
Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual Harassment can take place in many different forms, including physical, verbal, non-verbal, and even through digital communication. Continue reading to learn more about the different types of sexual harassment in the workplace.
1. Physical sexual harassment
In general, any type of unwelcome physical contact that results in a person to feel uncomfortable can potentially be considered sexual harassment. Behavior such as hugs, massages, rubbing, or violating someone’s personal space can potentially be considered sexual harassment.
In some cases, unwanted physical touch can escalate to sexual assault, such as forced sexual touching, fondling, and rape.
2. Verbal sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is not only limited to physical contact. In fact, sexual harassment can also occur through verbal behavior, such as sexual jokes that can make the victim feel uncomfortable. Other forms of verbal sexual harassment include:
- Making sexual comments about an individual’s clothing, physique, looks, or anatomy
- Whistling or catcalling
- Asking someone about their sexual preferences, experiences, history, or fantasies
- Repeatedly asking someone on a date who has expressed that he or she is not interested
- Making sexual jokes
- Spreading rumors or telling lies about someone’s sex life
- Asking personal questions about someone’s sex life
3. Non-verbal sexual harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace can also take form in non-verbal behavior. Any non-verbal behavior that is of sexual nature can result in making an individual feel uncomfortable. Some examples of non-verbal sexual harassment include:
- Looking at a personal up and down suggestively
- Leering or staring at someone suggestively
- Blocking or impeding another person’s path
- Suggestive facial expressions such as blowing kisses, winking, or licking their lips
- Following or stalking a co-worker
- Displaying visuals that are of sexual nature
- Making sexual gestures or body movements
- Leaving notes or images of sexual nature
4.Digital communication sexual harassment
Sexual harassment can also occur in the form of digital communication. Today, most workplaces require communication via email, text, or messaging software, which can all be an avenue of sexual harassment. For example, sending inappropriate or suggestive website links, images, and videos of sexual nature can potentially be classified as sexual harassment. Such behavior can range from a sexual joke to pornography to unsolicited messages of sexual nature.
Social media can also be a source of sexual harassment. For example, if a co-worker repeatedly asks you out on a date via Instagram or another social media platform when you have expressed that you are not interested can also be classified as sexual harassment.
Contact an Employment Lawyer Los Angeles | Point Law Group
If you believe you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, it is imperative that you reach out to a trusted employment lawyer Los Angeles, such as the team at Point Law Group. At Point Law Group, we specialize in representing victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. Contact our team today for a free consultation with a reputable employment attorney Los Angeles to learn more about your legal options and how we can help.
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