Across virtually every industry, many individuals report being subjected to sexual harassment at their place of work. These events can be emotionally and mentally difficult and can lead to job loss or poor performance. If you have suffered this kind of treatment or are curious about learning more in order to protect yourself, you might wonder, what causes workplace sexual harassment in Orange County? An attorney from Diefer Law Group can help answer that.
Men and women alike, when subjected to workplace sexual harassment, may avoid reporting it due to fear of retaliation. This is completely understandable, especially for individuals who live in a household where their paycheck is the main source of income. However, you do have legal options available to you, no matter what kind of sexual harassment you have faced.
It is important to remember that the sexual harassment you have been subjected to at your job is not your fault. There are several reasons these situations may come about, and at Diefer Law Group, we want to ensure you do not feel any guilt about the treatment you have faced.
What Can Cause Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
No one should have to face sexual harassment in their place of work. In California, everyone is entitled to feel comfortable at their place of employment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is all too common in many workplaces, and it can be confusing to try and decipher why some individuals might feel like it is ok to sexually harass another. Sexual harassment can arise in the workplace for many reasons.
Some of the most common reasons are:
- Workplace culture
- Power dynamics, as most often sexual harassment occurs between an individual in authority over another
- A competitive working environment
- Lack of accountability
- An insecure working environment
- A rigid management style
- An abuse of power or authority
- Lack of set procedures for resolving conflict
- Gender inequality
- Hostility in the workplace
- The perception of “proper” gender roles in the workplace
If you have suffered workplace sexual harassment for any of these reasons, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. Your employer had a duty to keep you safe from this treatment, and it was their failure that allowed this breach to occur. When faced with sexual harassment in the workplace, you have several legal options available to you.
It is understandable if you are feeling afraid, but there are some options that allow you privacy at this time.
The Main Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Any form of workplace sexual harassment is wrong and should be treated as such. Men and women alike can become victims and, sometimes, are not even aware of the situation they are in. It is wise to educate yourself on the common types of workplace sexual harassment so you are aware of the legal options available to you.
Some of the most common forms of workplace sexual harassment can include:
- Quid Pro Quo: This kind of workplace sexual harassment can occur when an individual in authority, such as a boss, manager, supervisor, or owner, offers certain job benefits in exchange for sexual favors. This kind of harassment can also occur if this individual in power requests these sexual favors and threatens certain forms of retaliation if they are not granted.
- Hostile Work Environment: This form of workplace sexual harassment can occur when someone is subjected to sexual harassment that is so pervasive and severe that it interferes with their ability to complete the necessary duties of their job, and they feel like they no longer have a safe working environment.
- Unwanted Physical Contact: In California, any physical contact that does not have the consent of the other individual is illegal. In the workplace, unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature can include kissing, touching, groping, or even some behaviors that could be viewed as sexual assault.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Harassment Attorney?
A: In California, it can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a sexual harassment attorney might charge for their services. This is because each case is different and can be influenced by many factors. These factors include the complexity and duration of the case and the experience, effort, and skill level of the attorney.
Q: What Are Some Benefits or Acts of Retaliation in Quid Pro Quo Harassment?
A: In Quid Pro Quo harassment, an individual in authority might offer certain benefits in exchange for sexual favors. These benefits might include a promotion, a raise, a good performance review, or a desired work shift. This individual may threaten certain acts of retaliation if the favor is not granted, such as being fired, demoted, or receiving a poor performance review.
Q: What Are Some Common Behaviors of Workplace Sexual Harassment?
A: There are several behaviors that may be viewed as workplace sexual harassment. These can include making repeated, unwanted comments on an individual’s appearance, body, or sexual activity. It could also include circulating sexually explicit materials, using sexually charged language or slurs, making sexual jokes, or sending unwanted communications that are sexual in nature.
Q: What Compensation Is Available for Sexual Harassment?
A: In many sexual harassment cases, there is compensation available to the victim. These forms of compensation can include medical costs such as doctor’s visits, or expenses incurred from counseling and therapy, any lost wages such as front pay or back pay, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and in rare cases, punitive damages.
Speak With a Compassionate Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
If you believe you have been subjected to workplace sexual harassment, you deserve compassionate legal counsel and support. At Diefer Law Group, our attorneys can come alongside you during this difficult time and offer both caring counsel and aggressive legal representation to secure the compensation you are owed.
Our experienced legal team could be the resource you need to successfully resolve your case. Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
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