Types of sexual harassment

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Every California resident has the right to be free from sexual harassment in the workplace. The California Civil Rights Law Group wants you to be aware of your rights regarding this type of harassment and the laws that extend you protection, including the federal Fair Labor Standards and Civil Rights Acts and the California’s Fair Housing and Employment Act. We also think it is important that you understand what constitutes sexual harassment.

There are many different ways harassment of a sexual nature can take place. However, according to the American Association of University Women, all actions fall under two main categories: hostile work environment and quid pro quo.

A hostile work environment covers things that make the workplace uncomfortable. This includes incidents like jokes of a sexual nature that make you feel uncomfortable and unwanted sexual advances from a co-worker. Anyone can be found guilty of this type of harassment, including co-workers or even individuals who do not work directly for your company, like a delivery person. Typically, for this type of action to be considered harassment, it needs to occur habitually. It should create a hostile, offensive or intimidating work environment.

Quid pro quo, on the other hand, can be considered harassment with just one incident. This involves a supervisor or someone in a position of authority misusing their power over you in a harassing way. The person could request a sexual favor in return for a promotion or require that you go out on a date with him or her if you wish to continue your employment. To learn more, visit our website.

Sexual Harassment: Do You Need a Lawyer?

If you think you may have experienced any type of harassment at work, not just sexual harassment, you may want to reach out for an attorney with special skills in the law concerning sexual harassment. Our sexual harassment attorneys can be found in both Oakland and San Anselmo (Marin County). They can provide you with a private consultation on sexual harassment. The offices are convenient to the East Bay, the North Bay, and even San Francisco. In addition, private consultations with attorney via the phone are available.