What Can A Victim Of Workplace Sexual Harassment Do In California
Sexual harassment is, unfortunately, often ignored, especially in workplaces. That said, if you've ever been a victim of it, you need to know that you have the right to file complaints without any adverse consequences to your job. If HR or your employer tries to ignore the issue or retaliate, you'll have legal options for those, too.
So, let's talk about workplace sexual harassment, as our prescreened Los Angeles Employment Lawyers often handle them.
How Do You Define Sexual Harassment In California Labor Law?
Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms. Unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate demands for sexual favors, unwanted sexual verbal or physical harassment, and quid pro quo, which is the act of giving job perks or circumstances in exchange for sexual acts, are all examples.
Although sexual harassment is frequently connected with activities of sexual nature, it can also refer to receiving hurtful or disrespectful comments regarding a person's sex or gender, which can create a hostile and unsafe work environment for the victim.
When this happens, you should connect with a prescreened Los Angeles Employment Lawyer to help you. They know their way around the law and will be able to present you with your legal options in California.
Laws Against Workplace Sexual Harassment
In California, No employer can discriminate against an applicant or employee based on gender in aspects of employment (i.e., hiring, firing, promotion, layoff, bonuses, and so on) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sexual harassment is also banned under this federal legislation as a form of sex discrimination, which means that employers are responsible for preventing, addressing, or stopping such behavior in the workplace.
One-time incidences and mild taunting with no negative consequences are not considered criminal by the law. It is, however, illegal when the harassment occurs regularly and contributes to a hostile work environment or has a significant impact on the victim's employment status.
Victims Of Workplace Sexual Harassment Have Options
The conduct must be against the victim's will to be termed harassment. As a result, if you have been sexually harassed, you must inform the harasser (verbally or in writing) that the behavior is undesirable and inappropriate and should cease immediately. It would also benefit the investigation if evidence of the activity was documented.
If your firm has harassment policies, it is recommended to report them to HR or submit a complaint internally.
However, if you do not see any progress evidence, you can seek legal advice or hire an Employment Lawyer in Los Angeles. These experts can assist you in evaluating the situation and offering vital advice on your claims.
A good next step could be to file a complaint with your state administrative agency or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal body that enforces federal laws about workplace harassment and discrimination.
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