Riverside Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Attorney
Riverside Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Riverside hosts many rapidly growing industries like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and technology that provide countless opportunities. Unfortunately, many people in the area experience sexual harassment in Riverside at work.
This can happen to anyone and can be committed by anyone regardless of their sex or sexual orientation. A Riverside same-sex sexual harassment attorney can explain your options if you have been subjected to this type of harassment at work.
Representing Victims of Same-Sex Sexual Harassment in Riverside, CA
The attorneys at the Diefer Law Group have decades of proven experience resolving all types of sexual harassment cases in Riverside and surrounding areas of California, including those in which the aggressor and the victim are the same sex. These cases can be awkward in various ways, and many victims may wonder if the same rules apply to same-sex sexual harassment as opposite-sex sexual harassment in California.
The short answer is yes; the same rules apply. Sexual harassment of any kind is unacceptable in any workplace. It does not matter what sex the aggressor is or what sex the victim is, or if both are the same sex. If anyone is subjected to sexual harassment of any kind, they have the right to pursue accountability and compensation for any losses they suffer.
The Diefer Law Group can review the details of your situation and explain the options available to you when you have been subjected to sexual harassment of any kind in Riverside. Our team has extensive experience resolving difficult cases, and you can expect responsive, compassionate, and results-driven legal counsel from our team at all times.
Building a Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Case in Riverside
Before you can proceed with a civil lawsuit for sexual harassment, you must first file a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the agency must approve your complaint. The EEOC is responsible for enforcing anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws in the United States. Between fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2021, the agency processed a total of 27,291 cases alleging sexual harassment throughout the United States.
Sexual harassment is more common than many people realize, and the University of California San Diego recently reported that sexual harassment happens at higher rates in California than the national average. Women in California report a 5% higher rate than the national average, and men report a 10% higher rate than the national average. You have rights regardless of your sex or the sex of the person who harassed you.
Same-sex sexual harassment happens in various ways:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment entails an offer of job-related benefits in exchange for sexual favors. It could also entail the threat of job-related penalties if the victim does not provide sexual favors.
- Unwanted sexual advances, such as repeated requests for romantic interactions, dates, or sexual encounters. Once the victim has made it clear that this behavior is unwelcome and unwanted, the aggressor must stop immediately. If they do not, it can form the basis of a sexual harassment case.
- Hostile work environments can develop when unwanted sexual advances or other harassment prevents the victim from performing their job duties. It is also possible for a hostile work environment to develop if the victim is subjected to consistent mistreatment on the basis of their sex or sexual orientation.
- Sexual assault is a serious issue in any workplace. If sexual harassment reaches the point of physical contact of any kind, such as groping or sexual battery, the individual who engages in this behavior is likely to face criminal prosecution. Penalties for sexual assault in California can be severe, and it is possible for the defendant to face felony conviction if they caused physical harm to the victim.
These are just a few examples of situations that could arise with same-sex sexual harassment in Riverside.
If you are unsure whether your situation is grounds for an EEOC complaint, it is important to consult an experienced Riverside same-sex sexual harassment attorney at your first opportunity. They can review the details of your situation and explain your legal options.
Building a Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Case in Riverside
You have limited time to file an EEOC complaint after the most recent incident of harassment you experienced, so it is crucial to connect with experienced legal counsel at your first opportunity. Your attorney will know how to gather the evidence you will need to build the strongest possible case, and they can explain what to expect with the EEOC’s investigation of your complaint.
Once you submit your complaint to the EEOC, the agency must investigate and will have a time limit for sending a response. If it determines that your claim is valid, it will send you a Notice of Right to Sue that allows you to proceed with a civil suit, or it may initiate legal proceedings against your employer.
It’s possible to claim several forms of compensation in a same-sex sexual harassment case in Riverside. You have the right to seek full repayment of any direct financial losses you suffered from the harassment, such as lost income and lost benefits, the cost of new job searches if you were forced to leave or wrongfully terminated, and other out-of-pocket expenses like transportation, healthcare costs, and legal expenses.
You also have the right to claim compensation for the emotional distress you experienced, and your employer may also owe you liquidated damages. When employers fail to meet the standards set forth by the EEOC and state agencies, they can face heavy fines and various other penalties, along with reputational damages.
Find Your Riverside Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Attorney Today
Time is a crucial concern for anyone who has experienced any type of sexual harassment in California. If you believe you have grounds for legal action due to the experiences you have had at work, you need to consult a Riverside same-sex sexual harassment attorney right away. The team at the Diefer Law Group is ready to help with your case, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation to learn how we can assist you.
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