What Are the Most Common Examples of Sexual Harassment in California Workplaces?
At Ricardo Lopez Law, our sexual harassment attorneys know that even with training requirements and increased social awareness, sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in California workplaces.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal for sexual harassment to occur in the workplace, regardless of the offender or the victim’s sex, gender, and/or sexual orientation.
Unfortunately, the fact that it is illegal does not stop physical, verbal, non-verbal, or threatening sexual harassment from occurring.
When sexual harassment interferes with an employee’s job performance and creates a hostile work environment, our California based employment law attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system and obtain justice on your behalf.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold your employer liable for permitting sexual harassment in the workplace.
What are the Most Frequently Reported Forms of Sexual Harassment in California?
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome or unwanted sexual conduct in the workplace.
The most common types of sexual harassment include:
- Physical sexual harassment, which may include unwanted touching, patting, stroking, hugging, massaging, standing too close, continuous contact, or brushing up against another person.
- Verbal sexual harassment, which may include derogatory, demeaning, or sexually charged comments, including the use of pet names, nicknames, or making remarks about another person’s clothing or appearance.
- Non-verbal sexual harassment, which may include sexual gestures, blocking another person’s movements, leering, or winking.
- Pictures or other correspondences, which may include sexually explicit material, jokes, emails, or other communications of a sexual nature.
- Sexual requests in exchange for favorable treatment, including a raise or promotion, or — conversely — sexual threats to demote or terminate an employee for not providing sexual favors.
California state laws specify that all workers, including independent contractors, volunteers, and interns, are afforded protection from sexual harassment behaviors in the workplace.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment in a California workplace, contact our skilled employment law attorneys at Ricardo Lopez Law today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Who is Responsible for Sexual Harassment in a California Workplace?
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“FEHA”) protects individuals from sexual harassment in the workplace. Regardless of the offender or the victim’s sex, gender, or sexual orientation, common liable parties who may be pursued for sexual harassment in California workplaces may include:
- Employees
- Managers / Supervisors
- Vendors
- Customers
- Company Owners
It is also illegal for an employer or coworker to retaliate against someone for speaking out against or reporting sexual harassment, or for participating in an investigation or legal action related to sexual harassment in the workplace.
When dealing with an issue as serious as sexual harassment in the workplace, you need an attorney with extensive employment law experience to provide the resources you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case. We can help.
Contact Our Skilled Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Long Beach Today for a Free Consultation
If your job performance has been negatively impacted by sexual harassment, contact our experienced Long Beach employment law attorneys today by calling 213-634-7979 to discuss your case during a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the liable person or parties for their illegal workplace conduct. Call us now to learn more.
FAQs:
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual behavior, such as unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, sexual gestures, or sharing explicit materials.
Individuals like employees, managers, supervisors, vendors, customers, and company owners can be held accountable for sexual harassment.
If you experience sexual harassment, report it to your supervisor or human resources. Document the incidents and consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights.
Yes, California laws protect all workers, including independent contractors, volunteers, and interns, from sexual harassment.
Yes, it’s illegal for employers or coworkers to retaliate against someone for reporting sexual harassment or participating in related investigations or legal actions.
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Ricardo López
Ricardo López is the founder and lead attorney at Ricardo Lopez Law, where he is committed to providing strong, compassionate legal representation. With a deep understanding of the law and a tireless dedication to justice, Ricardo works closely with clients to guide them through challenging legal situations. On the blog, he shares valuable legal tips, insights, and updates to help individuals make informed decisions and protect their rights.