Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, as well as physical and verbal sexual behavior amount to sexual harassment. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it’s it’s prohibited to sexually harass an individual, whether an applicant or employee.
It results in an uncomfortable, offensive, or hostile work environment, especially when it becomes a habit.
Many employees shy from reporting incidences of sexual harassment for various reasons. Some feel embarrassed while others fear for possible employment discrimination for filing a complaint against the employer.
However, not every offensive comment or behavior qualifies as sexual harassment under the law. If you reside in Arizona, a qualified Phoenix sexual harassment attorney can help to figure out if the alleged conduct fits the definition of harassment legally.
How a Sexual Harassment Attorney Can Help
If you feel sexually harassed by a co-worker or manager at the workplace, seek the counsel of a sexual harassment lawyer immediately. You may also consult a law firm if someone files a sexual harassment claim against you.
Your lawyer can address the following concerns:
- If the case is sexual harassment
- Whether you should report it
- The best way to respond to the harasser
- How you can protect yourself from future sexual harassment
- How to prevent the employer from retaliating after reporting them
The attorney will advise on the best way forward after this assessment. Before reporting sexual harassment, there are some steps you should take to safeguard your rights.
For instance, the law may require you to raise the matter with the management or human resources to hold the employer accountable for harassment.
When you are a victim of sexual harassment, it’s vital to understand who to report. Should it be the specific harasser of the company? In a limited liability partnership (LLP), for example, each partner is responsible for their misconduct.
Working with a sexual harassment lawyer helps to outline your description of the alleged harassment. When you’re confident that the matter is indeed sexual harassment, you will have the confidence to provide all the essential information to human resources.
Sexual Harassment Law
The basis of sexual harassment cases is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It protects individuals from gender-based discrimination, among other protections. The role of sexual harassment attorneys is to assist clients who have undergone unwanted verbal or physical sexual advances.
Sexual harassment attorneys also advise individuals accused of sexual harassment at the workplace. It’s often the role of the defense to show that the petitioner consented or welcomed the advances.
The federal or state employment law must cover your workplace for your employer to be liable for sexual harassment. Title VII covers workplaces with 15 or more employees.
Arizona state law adds a layer of protection. Under Arizona law, employers cannot use a nondisclosure agreement terms to prohibit disclosures related to actual or alleged violations of state sexual harassment law.
Protect Your Rights with Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Physical and verbal sexual innuendos are sometimes grounds for sexual harassment cases. If a co-worker or employer behaves in an offensive manner, a lawyer can help you to stop the behavior. The attorney can also gather evidence and represent you if the matter needs to go to the courts.
Similarly, your sexual harassment attorney can defend you is someone falsely or unfairly accuses you of sexual harassment.
If you suspect you’ve experienced unwanted sexual advances, contact HKM Employment Attorneys. Our experienced sexual harassment lawyers will fight for your rights.
