Sexual harassment cases result from a wide range of inappropriate acts at work. If someone’s behavior at your place of employment has left you feeling uncomfortable, you may be asking yourself, “What are sexually harassing examples?” Many employees rely on a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer when seeking accountability for misconduct at work. It is important to learn several common examples of workplace harassment. You can then hire a sexual harassment lawyer to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Unwanted Physical Touching
One of the most recognizable signs of sexual harassment is unwanted physical contact. This could include touching someone’s arm or back without permission. More overt acts of sexual harassment include groping, kissing, or brushing against someone’s body in a way that is intrusive.
A recent survey found that workplace harassment was reported by 5% of women working remotely. That rate goes up to 12% among those working on-site. Even if the contact is made to appear casual, it can make the recipient feel uncomfortable, and it may be considered harassment.
Sexual Jokes or Inappropriate Comments
Inappropriate jokes have no place in the workplace. When off-color comments or jokes about sex or gender are told in the workplace, they can make other employees uncomfortable. Inappropriate remarks about sexual activity or innuendos that comment on someone’s appearance, clothing, or sexual orientation are also inappropriate.
Jokes do not have to be made at specific individuals to be considered sexual harassment. When off-color comments are made in a group setting, they can still violate workplace harassment laws.
Repeated Remarks About Appearance
Repeated comments about someone’s appearance can quickly cross the line into harassment. While a single comment may not be enough to violate state law, ongoing remarks about body shape, attractiveness, and clothing can make someone feel objectified. Even when the person making these comments claims to have good intentions, the harm done can provide grounds for harassment complaints.
Displaying Sexually Explicit Materials
Workplaces are meant to be neutral spaces where everyone feels comfortable. When sexually explicit materials are brought to work, whether physical or digital, they can constitute a serious form of sexual harassment. These materials could include calendars, magazines, or even digital screensavers. Memes or videos shared at work can constitute explicit materials. Even passive exposure to these types of materials can constitute sexual harassment.
Sending Inappropriate Messages and When to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Digital misconduct is another common form of sexual harassment. If a coworker or client sends an inappropriate text or email through work platforms, especially after you have asked them to stop, those actions may qualify as harassment.
Uninvited sexual messages from managers and other people at work can create a hostile environment where you feel uncomfortable working. If you are unsure about your rights and the appropriate means of responding, it may be time to speak with a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer. They can explain your options and guide you through the administrative complaint process.
Requests for Sexual Favors in Exchange for Workplace Benefits
One of the most harmful types of sexual harassment is quid pro quo harassment, which occurs when a supervisor implies or even suggests that a job benefit may be waiting if the worker engages in sexual acts. This could involve benefits like promotion, favorable schedules, raises, or even the ability to continue working at the company.
In California, nearly 88% of women report having experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime, a figure that surpasses the national average of 82%. Quid pro quo harassment is particularly harmful because it implies the threat of retaliation for rejecting these advances.
FAQs
Q: What Are Examples of Sexually Harassing Behavior?
A: Sexually harassing behavior is not limited to physical contact. It can include:
- Unwanted touching
- Explicit comments
- Sexual jokes
- Requests for sexual favors
- Inappropriate messages in person or online
These actions create a hostile or intimidating environment. Workers in Orange County communities like Irvine and Huntington Beach are protected under California’s sexual harassment laws.
Q: What Are the Main Types of Sexual Harassment?
A: The two main types of sexual harassment are hostile work environment and quid pro quo. Hostile work environment harassment includes repeated unwanted behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive workplace. Quid pro quo refers to suggestions or more direct communications that tell a worker they will receive a work-related benefit if they engage in sexual acts.
Both forms of harassment are strictly prohibited under California and federal law.
Q: How Do You Know If You Are Sexually Harassed?
A: You can know that you are being sexually harassed if you experience behavior that is:
- Unwelcome
- Based on sex or gender
- Makes you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or disrespected at work
Workers should pay attention to patterns of unwanted comments, advances, or contact. If the conduct affects your job performance or creates a toxic environment, it may meet the legal standard of sexual harassment. A sexual harassment attorney can review your case to see if the evidence is sufficient to prove harassment.
Q: What Behaviors Create a Hostile Work Environment?
A: A hostile work environment can result from repeated unwelcome behavior, such as offensive jokes, comments, slurs, or physical contact based on sex or gender. Even non-physical actions, like suggestive emails or constant inappropriate remarks, can contribute to a hostile work environment if the acts are severe or ongoing. Employers have a duty to prevent and address this type of harassment.
Contact California Employment Counsel, APC, Today
If you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment at work, you need reliable legal representation to get positive results. California Employment Counsel, APC, understands state and federal harassment laws and how to secure our clients the relief and compensation they are owed.
Our legal team includes Nicholas A. Hane, Esq., who has served as Trial Counsel at California Employment Counsel, APC, since 2017, following a distinguished career as a U.S. Marine Corps captain.
Founder Raymond E. Hane III brings three decades of legal experience and recognition as a Southern California Super Lawyer in Employment Law every year since 2009. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and hold your harasser accountable.