Sexual Harassment Attorneys Near Me

Sexual harassment is extremely common in Ohio, and throughout the rest of the nation. Still, it is largely underreported. This is usually because people believe that if the behavior is not obvious, such as inappropriate touching, it does not constitute sexual harassment. Truthfully, most sexual harassment is subtle, yet it still makes victims of it feel uncomfortable and they may even dread going to work. If you have been harassed in the workplace, a sexual harassment attorney near you can help you make things right.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act outlines two types of sexual harassment that occur within the workplace. The first of these is quid pro quo harassment, which is not as common as it once was. The second type of harassment is that which creates a hostile work environment, which is the most common form of harassment today.

Quid pro quo harassment occurs any time one favor is exchanged for another. In terms of sexual harassment, this usually refers to an employer, supervisor, or someone else in a position of authority that asks an employee for sexual favors in exchange for something of value. For example, a manager may tell an employee that they will promote them if the worker agrees to go on a date with them.

Sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment is just that. It is conduct or behavior that makes an employee so uncomfortable that it interferes with their ability to do their job. In order for a hostile work environment to be created, the behavior must be pervasive and not just a one-time occurrence. Still, even though hostile work environments are incredibly disruptive, it is not always obvious when one has been created.

Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

While it may be obvious that certain actions, such as slapping someone on their behind, constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace, this behavior is not always so clear. Some of the most common types of sexual harassment in the workplace are as follows:

• Talking about an employee’s sex life in front of other people
• Commenting on the physical appearance or attributes of a certain employee, particularly when the same comments are made frequently
• Asking employees about their sex life
• Distributing photos of a sexual nature among workers
• Making jokes that are sexual in nature
• Sending text messages or emails that are of a sexual nature
• Gifting workers with items that are of a sexual or romantic nature
• Inappropriate touching
• Contributing to rumors about a worker’s sex life

When considering whether certain behavior contributes to a hostile work environment, the court will consider whether a reasonable person would have felt uncomfortable in the same situation. For example, one worker may tell another that they like their new haircut. That would likely not make a reasonable person feel uncomfortable and so, the judge may decide in favor of the employer or other offending party.

Sexual Harassment Lawyers Near You Can Advise on Your Case

No one should ever be the victim of any form of sexual harassment when they are at work. If your employer has treated you unfairly or has allowed someone else to violate your rights, our sexual harassment attorneys near you can help with your case. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, our seasoned attorneys will help you make things right and help you recover any losses you sustained. Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the sound legal advice you need.