Sexual harassment at work is a big deal that can happen to anyone, no matter what your job or industry. It’s important to know what sexual harassment is so you can spot it, protect yourself and take action if it happens to you.

In this post we’ll break it down in simple terms so everyone can understand. We will also talk about how to get help from New York Sexual Harassment Lawyer if you face any such situation.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in the workplace is any unwanted sexual behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, intimidated or violated. It can happen in many ways and doesn’t always involve physical contact. Sexual harassment can be verbal, non-verbal or physical.

• Verbal Harassment: This includes inappropriate comments, jokes or suggestions of a sexual nature. For example if someone at work makes comments about your appearance or asks you personal questions that are inappropriate, that’s verbal sexual harassment.
• Non-Verbal Harassment: Non-verbal harassment can be things like lewd gestures, staring or displaying sexually explicit images or objects. If a coworker stares at you in a way that makes you uncomfortable or shares explicit material at work, that’s non-verbal sexual harassment.
• Physical Harassment: This includes unwanted physical contact, such as touching, groping or any other physical behavior that makes you feel unsafe. Physical harassment is the most obvious form of sexual harassment but remember the other types are just as serious.

Here are Some Examples of Sexual Harassment at Work:

To help you understand what sexual harassment might look like in the workplace let’s go through some examples:

• Unwanted Touching: A coworker or supervisor touches you inappropriately, such as patting your back or uncomfortably brushing against you.
• Inappropriate Comments: Someone at work makes comments about your appearance or clothes that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Sexual Jokes: A coworker tells sexual jokes or shares stories that are not appropriate for work.
• Dates or Sexual Favors: If a boss or coworker asks you to go on a date or do something sexual in exchange for work-related benefits, that’s sexual harassment.
• Displaying Offensive Material: Someone at work shares or displays sexually explicit images, videos or other material that makes you uncomfortable.
• Threats or Retaliation: If you refuse to engage in sexual behavior or report harassment and as a result you are threatened with losing your job or other forms of retaliation, that’s also sexual harassment.

The Effects of Sexual Harassment at Work

Sexual harassment can have a big impact on the victim and the workplace. Victims often experience stress, anxiety and decreased job satisfaction. It can also lead to physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping. In some cases sexual harassment can even make someone leave their job, affecting their livelihood and career.

For the workplace sexual harassment creates a toxic environment. It damages team morale and can lead to decreased productivity. Companies that don’t address sexual harassment properly may also face legal consequences as employees have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment.

Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment

If you experience sexual harassment at work, you should know that there are laws in place to protect you. In the United States the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically Title VII, prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. This law applies to all employers with 15 or more employees and is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In New York it’s even more strict. The New York City Human Rights Law covers all employers, regardless of the number of employees. So even if you work for a small business you’re covered by the law.

If you’re in New York and you think you’ve been sexually harassed, you should consult with a New York sexual harassment lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a complaint or taking legal action.

And if you’re in Philadelphia, you’re covered too. Philadelphia has its own laws that work alongside federal laws to make sure all employees are protected from sexual harassment. A Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer can help you with the legal side of things and guide you through your options.

What to Do If You Are Sexually Harassed?

If you think you are being sexually harassed at work, do something. Here’s what to do:

Document the Harassment: Keep a record of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, locations and any witnesses. This will be important if you decide to file a complaint or take legal action.

Report the Harassment: Most workplaces have a process for reporting harassment. You should report the behavior to your HR department or a trusted supervisor. If your employer has no HR department, report to someone higher up.

Consult a Lawyer: If the harassment continues or your employer doesn’t do anything about it, you should consult a lawyer. A Sexual Harassment Lawyer Philadelphia can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.

File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the EEOC or your state’s equivalent agency. In New York you can file with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the NYC Commission on Human Rights. In Philadelphia you can file with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

Take Care of Yourself: Sexual harassment is very stressful so make sure you take care of yourself physically and mentally. Seek support from friends, family or a therapist.

Conclusion

Sexual harassment at work is never acceptable. Knowing what constitutes sexual harassment is the first step in protecting yourself and others. If you’re a victim you need to know your rights and do something. Whether you’re in New York or Philadelphia, a lawyer can help you through the process and get you the justice you deserve.

If you are looking for a sexual harassment lawyer you can get in touch with Derek Smith Law Group they have a team of professional lawyers who will for sure help you or someone you know to get out of the situation and get the deserved justice and compensation. Remember, everyone deserves to work in a safe and respectful environment, free from harassment of any kind.