Sexual Harassment

Everyone has the right to work in an environment free of sexual harassment. Under the law, sexual harassment comes in two distinct forms: Quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is when the employee is required to submit to an unwanted sexual relationship in return for benefits such as promotion, a better office, better work assignments or increased pay. If the employee does not agree to the sexual contact, he or she may face demotion, termination and undesirable work assignments. Hostile work environment cases involve an employee being subjected to unwelcome jokes, touching, pictures or teasing that interferes with his or her ability to do the job. An employer that permits this type of behavior may be the target of a sexual harassment claim.

Sexual harassment comes in many disturbing manifestations, including:

• physical abuse (e.g., unwanted touching, sexual assault, interference with normal work or movement).
• verbal abuse (e.g., obscene language, sexually demeaning comments, slurs, threats).
• inappropriate use of visual images (e.g., offensive internet sites, posters, objects, cartoons, drawings).
• unwanted sexual advances.

Liberty Law Office has handled numerous cases in both categories. We have also been involved in broader matters, including:

• Retaliating against an employee who filed a sexual harassment claim
• Malicious prosecution in which an employee falsely charges sexual harassment

If your employer has penalized you, made benefits of your job conditioned on acceptance of sexual advances, or created a hostile work environment due to your gender, you may be entitled to damages. Under the law, a work environment becomes hostile when you are subjected to unwanted harassing conduct so severe, widespread or persistent that a reasonable person would consider it hostile or abusive.

You do not have to endure an oppressive or hostile work environment. To report sexual abuse or sexual harassment at work click here.