Sexual Harassment Claims

At LCK Law, we are committed to helping employees who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment is a serious violation of both state and federal law, including protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Employees have the right to work in an environment free from unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or conduct. If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, our firm is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to seek justice and protect your rights.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment or interferes with your ability to perform your job. There are two main types of sexual harassment:

  1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment – This occurs when submission to sexual advances or conduct is made a condition of employment decisions, such as promotions, raises, hiring, or job assignments.
  2. Hostile Work Environment Harassment – This occurs when an employee is subjected to severe or pervasive sexual conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive work environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment can take many forms. Below are some examples of behaviors that may constitute sexual harassment:

Verbal Harassment:

  • Sexual jokes, comments, or innuendos that make you uncomfortable
  • Unwelcome comments about your appearance, body, or clothing, including explicit remarks about your attractiveness or sexual desirability
  • Offensive remarks or slurs based on gender or sexual orientation
  • Repeated or inappropriate sexual advances such as asking for dates or making suggestive comments
  • Whistling, catcalling, or making sexually explicit comments towards a colleague
  • Unwanted sexual compliments or remarks about your private life or relationships

Physical Harassment:

  • Unwanted touching or physical contact, such as brushing against someone inappropriately, patting, pinching, or hugging without consent
  • Sexual advances or propositions, including pressure for dates or sexual favors
  • Sexually suggestive gestures or expressions, including lewd gestures
  • Sexual assault or attempted assault in the workplace

Visual Harassment:

  • Displaying sexually explicit materials in the workplace, such as pornographic images, calendars, or videos
  • Sending or showing unsolicited sexually explicit emails, text messages, or social media messages
  • Leering or staring in a sexually suggestive way at another employee
  • Displaying sexually suggestive posters, cartoons, or other inappropriate visuals

Other Forms of Harassment:

  • Sexual demands tied to job benefits, such as promotions, salary increases, or continued employment
  • Making threats of retaliation for rejecting sexual advances, such as suggesting that an employee’s career will be harmed if they do not comply with sexual advances
  • Isolation or exclusion of an employee because of their rejection of sexual advances
  • Degrading or humiliating sexual comments made in front of colleagues or during meetings

Hostile Work Environment

Sexual harassment can also create a hostile work environment when sexual conduct is frequent or severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform your job. A hostile work environment can be created by:

  • A pattern of sexual jokes or comments that are persistent and offensive
  • Physical intimidation or threats of sexual nature
  • Sexual advances that are ignored or discouraged but continue to occur
  • Inappropriate behavior by a supervisor or manager that creates an intimidating or unsafe workplace for employees

Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Harassment

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who reports sexual harassment or files a complaint. Retaliation can include:

  • Termination, demotion, or reduction in hours after a harassment complaint is made
  • Unfair treatment such as being passed over for promotions or raises after reporting harassment
  • Negative performance reviews or unwarranted disciplinary actions after an employee speaks up about harassment
  • Isolation from colleagues or exclusion from meetings or projects due to reporting harassment

If you’ve experienced retaliation after reporting sexual harassment, this may be a violation of your rights, and you have the right to take legal action.

How We Can Help

At LCK Law, we understand the profound emotional and professional impact that sexual harassment can have on your life and career. Our experienced employment law attorneys are here to stand up for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. 

If you are facing sexual harassment, whether from a coworker, supervisor, or third party, we can help. Our attorneys will work closely with you to investigate the harassment, assess the best course of action, and guide you through the legal process. We are here to ensure that your rights are protected and that you can move forward in your career with confidence.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you take action against sexual harassment in the workplace and protect your professional well-being.