If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it is imperative that you speak to a sexual harassment lawyer in Fairfax Virginia. Sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable. Here’s what you should know.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment, not to be confused with sexual assault, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. Workplace harassment falls into two categories:
Quid pro quo harassment is when harassing conduct results in an intangible change in an employee’s employment status of benefits. This could be harassment becoming a condition of continue employment, or it could lead to lack of promotion opportunities, termination, or demotion.
Hostile work environment harassment occurs when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, abusive, or hostile.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Defining sexual harassment can be difficult. There are many situations in which sexual harassment occurs and may be overlooked. Some examples include:
- The victim and harasser can be a woman or a man, or the same sex.
- The harasser may be the victim’s boss, a manager in another department, a coworker, or someone not employed by the same organization. Furthermore, clients and customers can be sued for sexual harassment.
- The victim does not have to be the direct target of the harassment; the victim could be anyone who is offended by the behavior.
- Sexual harassment can occur without the victim experiencing any financial effects, losing their job, or creating an inhospitable work environment.
- The offensive comments do not need to be sexual in nature, they can include general offensive comments about a person’s sex.
Sexual Harassment Lawyer Fairfax Virginia
If you believe that you have experienced sexual harassment, please speak to a sexual harassment lawyer in Fairfax Virginia. Sexual harassment is never okay. An attorney can help you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and ensure that your rights are protected. To speak to someone about your case, please contact Cook, Craig & Francuzenko today.
