How Common Is Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles?
Sexual harassment is an all too common form of sex discrimination. In the decades since Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act started addressing sex discrimination, the atmosphere in California and the country has not changed enough.
But individuals who have been exposed to unwanted sexual behaviors in the workplace are not alone, and they are not without recourse. With the help of a good sexual harassment attorney, victims who are ready to take action against harassment can obtain deserved justice and legal relief.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
In hopes of keeping those they harass quiet, a perpetrator of sexual harassment might try to convince others that their offensive actions aren’t punishable misconduct. Education can combat this tactic. As individuals and as a society, our best initial defense against workplace harassment is understanding what isn’t allowed.Under California law, workplace sexual harassment includes:
- Offering employment benefits for sexual favors,
- Making unwanted sexual advances,
- Derogatory comments or jokes,
- Displaying sexually suggestive objects or images,
- Making graphic comments,
- Leering,
- Gestures,
- Physical touch,
- Assault, and
- Physical impeding
The definition of sexual harassment is quite broad because it is intended to keep people safe while they work. A perpetrator’s offensive behavior doesn’t even have to be motivated by sexual desire to constitute sexual harassment.
How Often Does Sexual Harassment Occur?
Sexual harassment is all too common. A recent survey published by NPR found that 81% of women and 43% of men have experienced sexual harassment, ranging from verbal harassment and unwelcome touch to unwanted flashing and sexual assault.When it comes to workplace harassment, 38% of women reported having this experience. And in 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Council (EEOC) reported receiving 1,130 sex discrimination complaints from California alone.
These statistics are alarmingly high. They also let those suffering in silence know that they haven’t done something wrong or bad to become targets of these behaviors. Rather, those who have endured sexual harassment are victims of a pervasive toxic work culture in California and nationwide.
What Are the Effects of Sexual Harassment?
How often has a perpetrator of harassment said something like “It’s just a joke” or “You’re being too sensitive” when confronted about their behavior? Far too often. Even if it consists of “just words,” sexual harassment usually has serious, concrete effects on its victims. A significant percentage of sexual harassment victims have reported that harassment has caused:- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- The end of a significant relationship,
- A job change,
- A school change,
- Changes to activities of daily living,
- A change in residence, and
- A search for medical and mental healthcare services
Sexual harassment is not a trivial matter, and the pain that those who endure it feel is valid and worthy of legal attention.
What Legal Rights Do Sexual Harassment Victims Have?
People have the right to work in an environment that isn’t hostile or discriminatory. At the most basic level, this means being able to work every day in an environment free from sexual harassment. If someone violates this right, a sexual harassment victim can seek justice by filing a civil lawsuit or a complaint. A complaint can be filed with the EEOC and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Regardless of what an employer or harasser might say, it’s also illegal to retaliate against an employee for filing a sexual harassment complaint or suit.With a lawsuit or complaint, someone who has endured sexual harassment can receive an order that stops the harasser’s behavior and the behavior of employers who enabled them. A sexual harassment victim can also recover money damages for any financial loss the harassment has caused and for pain and suffering.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Sexual Harassment Complaint?
Sexual harassment victims have three years to file a complaint with the DFEH and only 180 days to file a complaint with the EEOC. Understandably, it can take time for someone who endured harassment to process the violation they experienced. This is a big reason why speaking to an experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney immediately after a harassment event is crucial. An attorney will listen to your story and meet the critical deadlines to preserve your rights while you take the necessary time to process and heal.Do You Need An Attorney?
If so, post a short summary of your legal needs to our site and let attorneys submit applications to fulfill those needs. No time wasted, no hassle, no confusion, no cost.
Posted - 03/21/2022
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