Lancaster Sexual Harassment Attorneys

No one should ever face sexual harassment in the workplace, but too many people are the victim of this type of behavior every day in Lancaster. In some cases, it is employers that are responsible for sexual harassment while in others, co-workers, customers, or others are the perpetrator of this type of harassment. Even when employers are not responsible for the harassment, they do have an obligation to stop it from occurring once they are made aware of it. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, our Lancaster sexual harassment attorneys can advise you of your legal options.

Defining Sexual Harassment

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, sexual harassment is defined as physical and verbal conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome by the victim. Sexual harassment takes many forms. Requests for sexual favors, sexual advances, making jokes of a sexual nature, and regularly showing sexually explicit photos or other material are just a few of the most common forms of sexual harassment when the behavior is unwanted. Regardless of the form sexual harassment takes, victims should know that when it happens, they can file a claim for compensation to recover any losses they incurred as a result.

What Forms Does Sexual Harassment Take in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment in the workplace generally takes two forms. The first is quid pro quo, which is not as common today, although it certainly does still occur. The second is sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment.

Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when employees are offered something in exchange for a sexual favor. For example, a supervisor may tell an employee that they will be promoted if they agree to go on a date with their boss. 

Sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment, on the other hand, is behavior that is so pervasive, intimidating, or offensive that it interferes with the employee’s ability to perform their duties. For example, an employee may be subjected to offensive sexual remarks on a regular basis. This situation may become so distressing that the employee can no longer focus on doing their job.

What to Do After Being Sexually Harassed

Even though sexual harassment is never the fault of the victim, it is natural for employees to feel embarrassed and sometimes even ashamed after experiencing this type of behavior. Still, it is critical that anyone who has been the victim of sexual harassment comes forward with it so employers can take action.

Any employee that has experienced sexual harassment should first tell their employer about the behavior they are subjected to in writing. Even when the employer is not the one initiating the behavior, they are still obligated to stop it from occurring. If the employer does not take adequate action to stop the harassment, employees should speak to a Lancaster sexual harassment attorney.

Our Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Lancaster are Here for You

If you have been the victim of harassment in the workplace, our Lancaster sexual harassment attorneys at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, can help with your case. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.