Employees Do Not Have To Tolerate Sexual Harassment At Work
No one should have to feel sexually intimidated or harassed in the workplace. It can be an overwhelming and traumatizing experience when the workplace becomes hostile, or when an employee is being pressured or forced to exchange sexual activity for career stability or advancement.
If you are being subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, you may benefit from consulting with an attorney who knows what your rights are and what courses of action may be available to you. I founded the Law Offices of Alan Adelman in San Francisco, California, to help protect the rights of employees facing harassment and discrimination. For more information, call 415-906-3331 or send an email.
Hostile Work Environment
An unlawful hostile work environment may arise when the sexually inappropriate behavior of managers or co-workers adversely alters the work environment to such a severe and pervasive level that a reasonable employee would consider the environment hostile or abusive.
A hostile work environment may consist of conduct, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Offensive language, emails or letters
- Unwelcome touching
- Crude humor
- Sexual advances
The law offers protection against employees being subjected to such harassment in the workplace.
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Quid pro quo simply means “this for that,” or the conditioning of employment benefits and opportunities on sex. It is unlawful for an employer to offer employment opportunities in exchange for sex, or to threaten or execute the taking away of employment opportunities where an employee refuses to provide sex.
Quid pro quo can exist even if it is not explicitly stated by the employer. If the sexual behavior is tied to an employee’s employment or advancement, it may constitute quid pro quo sexual harassment.
If you are being subjected to sexual harassment, you should know that legal protections do exist. Although it is not an easy step to take, the process of standing up for your rights can be extremely empowering and dignifying. You may benefit from speaking with an employee rights attorney to learn about your rights and the courses of action that may be available to you.
I Will Fight For You
I have been fighting for employees’ rights for over 25 years. I have extensive experience negotiating on employees’ behalf with management and their counsel, and I have litigated sexual harassment cases in court. I am focused, experienced and able to help you with your sexual harassment case. You are welcome to either call my Bay Area office at 415-906-3331 or contact me online if you wish to discuss your employment situation.