Los Angeles Employment Lawyer Blog

Are you the victim of sexual harassment on the job? Cases of sexual harassment in the workplace have increased in since 2007. Sexual harrassment is a form of sex discrimination. The legal definition of sexual harrasment is “unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment.” One must be careful to note that conduct that is welcome, even if it is sexual in nature, is not considered sexual harassment. One way to be certain that the offender knows his or her conduct is not welcome is through communicating (verbally, in writing) to that person that their behavior makes you uncomfortable and that you would like them to stop. Both Federal law and California law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. It is also illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment in your work place.

How do you know if you are a victim of sexual harassment? Examples of sexual harassment, when the behavior is severe, persistent, and unwelcome, include:

• Verbal or written comments about your clothing, personal behavior, or your body


• Sexual or sex-based jokes or innuendoes


• Requesting sexual favors or repeatedly you out on a date


• Spreading rumors about your personal or sexual life


• Assault or threats of assault


• Inappropriately touching your body or clothing such as kissing, hugging, patting, stroking


• Derogatory gestures or facial expressions of a sexual nature


• Posters, drawings, pictures, screensavers or emails of a sexual nature

Also, you might be the victim of sexual harassment if your employer has harassed you because you are female or because you are male. Although one single instance of rude or sexual behavior might be offensive, it might not be considered sexual harassment. However, if you are fired, refused a promotion, demoted, given a poor performance evaluation, or reassigned to a less desirable position because you rejected a sexual advance, or because you reported the harassment, that almost certainly constitutes sexual harassment. An experienced employment lawyer can help you determine if you are the victim of sexual harassment.

If you live in California and believe you have been sexually harassed in your work place, either by your boss or another co-worker, call the experienced employment lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 now for a free and confidential consultation. Stand up for your rights as an employee and call 1-800-ALAWPRO. We’re here to help.