Chillicothe Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Those who work in Chillicothe are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace under both state and federal laws. While there are no laws that specifically address sexual harassment, courts recognize that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination, which is illegal. When an employee’s rights in the workplace are breached, the employee can seek remediation in a variety of ways.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?

Because sexual harassment is not explicitly defined by state or federal laws, it can be difficult for an employee or an employer to recognize exactly what constitutes sexual harassment. The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) explains that sexual harassment can include:

• Unwelcome sexual advances;
• Inappropriate sexual comments/references; and
• Requests for sexual favors.

The OSBA also states that sexual harassment may be visual, verbal, or physical, and the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission adds that sexual harassment is not always sexual in nature; instead, it may just be in regards to a person’s sex. For example, harassing a person based on their gender also constitutes sexual harassment.

When Is Sexual Harassment Illegal?

Just as it can be difficult to define sexual harassment, it can also be hard to determine what constitutes illegal and prohibited harassment, and what is just teasing or joking. Sexual harassment is illegal when it:

• Is severe;
• Is pervasive;
• Affects an individual’s employment;
• Interferes with an individual’s ability to perform at work; or
• Creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.

What Remedies Are Available to a Victim of Sexual Harassment?

If a person is being harassed on the job in Chillicothe, they have a number of remedies available to them. You may:

• File a lawsuit;
• File a discrimination complaint–called a charge of discrimination–with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; or
• File a discrimination complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC).  

Depending upon the course of action you take, potential remedies may include compensatory damages to compensate you for any economic and noneconomic losses you have suffered; punitive damages; reinstatement to a position or a promotion; being rehired; and more. The specific type of compensation you receive will be based on the discriminatory action and the effect it had on you. In addition to compensation or reinstatement, your employer may also be required to implement policies and practices that ensure sexual harassment will not occur in the future.

How Our Ohio Sexual Harassment Attorneys Can Help

If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, taking action against your employer or a coworker can be a very challenging thing to do. If you are being harassed by a coworker or a manager, we recommend that you bring your complaint to a supervisor/manager/owner. For help filing a charge of discrimination or a lawsuit, and for answers to questions about what remedies are available, we recommend that you contact our experienced Ohio sexual harassment attorneys as soon as possible. At the offices of Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we care about employees in Chillicothe, and are committed to working hard for our clients. Reach us today online to request your free consultation.