Despite federal and state laws that have been put in place, many employees in Boston still suffer from sexual harassment at work. From inappropriate comments to quid pro quo offers, there are many situations in which certain behaviors can create a hostile work environment. The result is an employee who does not feel safe or respected at work and can suffer from undue stress or depression.
No one should have to endure sexual harassment in the work environment. That’s why the lawyers at HKM Employment Attorneys are dedicated to advocating for those who have been mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against while on the job. Whether you’re nervous about filing your first complaint or suffering from retaliation after rejecting a colleague, we’re here to support your best interests, so you can get the treatment and compensation that you’re due.
What should you consider to be sexual harassment?
The following examples are common forms of sexual harassment that can happen at work.
- Unwanted and consistent sexual advances
- Being asked for sexual favors in exchange for a monetary reward
- Being propositioned repeatedly
- Jokes and stories about sex
- Suggestive or sexual gestures
- Displaying sexual content
- Verbal abuse and body-shaming
- Sexual orientation discrimination
What to Do When a Coworker is Sexually Harassing You
If you are facing employment discrimination or sexual harassment while on the job, there are legal steps you can take to correct the situation.
First, you should make it explicit that you reject these advances and comments. If you fear retaliation because the individual is a boss or manager, take the issue to human resources. You can either write an email outlining what happened or meet with them one-on-one to complain verbally. If you choose to make a verbal complaint, be sure to make note of the date and time you reported the incident. Some offices may also send you a follow-up email to verify the complaint and ensure all parties have a record.
Should any of your coworkers witness the offending events, you can ask that they make a note of the date, time, and action so that you have their statements on record.
Sometimes, an employer or colleague doesn’t want to accept that you’re not interested. If their harassment and propositions continue, even after you’ve filed a complaint to human resources, then it is time to contact a sexual harassment lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How to File a Sexual Harassment Complaint
Unfortunately, not all human resource departments have the employee’s best interests in mind. Some departments are there just to protect the company. In this case, they may ignore your initial complaint or even retaliate against you by moving you to another department that pays less than what you made previously.
A sexual harassment attorney is someone who will be on your side from day one. They act as your educated advocate, informing you of your federal and state rights and encouraging you should you decide to file a lawsuit.
After the initial consultation, your lawyer will let you know what steps you should take next, whether that’s filing a complaint with the federal or state authorities, or gathering additional evidence from coworkers.
Consult with a Boston Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
HKM Employment Attorneys of Boston has a team of lawyers experienced in all aspects of employment law. We understand the toll that dealing with a sexual harassment case can have on you. That’s why we are committed to helping our clients resolve their workplace issues as soon as possible so they can gain peace of mind and focus on achieving their career goals.
Reach out to us today to schedule your initial consultation. We’re ready to help you seek justice in your sexual harassment case.
