Newport Beach Sexual Harassment Attorney

Sexual harassment is a behavior that has no place at work and should not be tolerated by any employer. Unfortunately, it is all too common throughout California. As an employee, you have the right to a safe workplace free of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. If you are being treated inappropriately or sexually harassed in your place of work, do not wait to seek help from our team so that we can work to protect your rights immediately.

No employee deserves to feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their place of work, which is why we have dedicated our firm to protecting California workers from harmful behaviors at their job. At California Employment Counsel, APC, our team has decades of experience representing workers in employment law and is committed to fighting for every client that walks through our doors. Sexual harassment is not only a violation of your rights but also a traumatic experience that no person should have to endure. Regardless of your situation, if you are experiencing sexual harassment or abuse at work, you can trust that our attorneys will take your case seriously.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is defined by California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) as one individual making unwanted sexual advances, either verbally or physically, towards another employee. Sexual harassment can occur between any two individuals, whether they have the same status in a company or one individual is in a position of power. Unwanted sexual advances, suggestive or sexual gestures, or sexual orientation discrimination can all be classified as sexual harassment in the workplace.

Acts of sexual harassment are classified into two main categories under California law.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo sexual harassment is one of the most common forms of sexual harassment in the state of California. This kind of harassment happens when an employee who holds some form of power, such as a boss or supervisor, approaches another employee who is a subordinate and mentions, references, or blatantly asks them to partake in sexual activity for some type of “benefit.” These benefits could appear to be a raise or a promotion, but they can also be a power tactic to threaten your job if you do not comply.

Examples of quid pro quo harassment include:

• A supervisor threatening a poor performance review when an employee denies requests for sexual favors.
• A boss threatening to fire an employee when they decline an offer for a date.
• A manager offering promotions to those who engage in sexual activity with them.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

A hostile work environment is a form of harassment that is not always sexual but, in many cases, can be. Hostile work environment harassment takes place when one employee makes another feel threatened, unsafe, or uncomfortable in their place of work.

Examples of sexual harassment in a hostile work environment include:

• An employee hanging sexually explicit photos in their workspace or giving them to other employees.
• Constant, unwanted touching or “accidentally bumping” to touch you.
• Consistent flirting or sexual advances, even if you declined or asked them to stop.
• An employee quitting because they are so uncomfortable at their office.
• Targeting employees with sexual gestures, jokes, and uncomfortable remarks.

When it comes to pursuing a workplace sexual harassment claim, the process can be intimidating. Luckily, by working with one of our experienced lawyers, there are many ways we can assist you.

Helping You Understand Laws in Place

Every California employee has rights that protect them from sexual harassment and assault at work. State laws also protect their right to file a claim against their employer without them retaliating. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that protect employees and are committed to making sure that you know your own rights, too. In addition to the state and federal laws surrounding workplace treatment, employers often have their own regulations in place as well. Our team can help you dive into your employer’s guidelines, as well as state legislation, to see how your rights were violated and create a strong case for you.

Assist With Gathering Evidence

When filing a claim for sexual harassment in the workplace, the employee must be able to prove that sexual harassment occurred. To do so, you may have to prove that the employer:

• Knew or should have known about the harassment being caused.
• Failed to take any form of corrective action.
• Was aware that their employee was subject to harassment on one or more occasions.

Because our attorneys have extensive experience in employment law, we can help you gather evidence to prove your case and fight to hold your employer accountable.

Fight for the Best Possible Outcome

Being made uncomfortable, threatened, or scared in the workplace can create a hostile work environment that no one wants to be in, especially when the behavior is sexual. While no amount of money can make up for enduring sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace, our team of attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We can work with you to build a strong case, represent you and your rights in court, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Facing sexual harassment in the workplace can be extremely daunting, but no employee should feel like they must endure that kind of conduct just to make a living. At California Employment Counsel, APC, we fight for employees who are mistreated in the workplace. We believe that everyone should have a safe place of work where they feel comfortable and are treated with respect. No matter what kind of sexual harassment you have been experiencing at your job, get the professional legal help you need as soon as possible. To learn more about our firm and the employment law services that we offer, contact our team today for more information.