Cincinnati Employment Lawyers Protecting Victims Of Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace creates a dilemma for victims: you like your job, but you no longer feel comfortable or safe there. Many people who face these types of situations often have questions. What types of behavior is considered sexual harassment? Who do I notify if this is happening to me? What are my rights?
What Behavior Is Considered Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that is prohibited by both state and federal law.
Title VII is a federal anti-discrimination statute that prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against employees on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by Title VII.
Actions that often classify as workplace sexual harassment include the following:
- Unwelcome touching, inappropriate exposure or other sexual advances
- Jokes, comments or teasing related to sex or gender
- Physical or digital communications that are of a sexual nature
- Requests for sexual favors
Understanding Hostile Work Environments And Quid Pro Quo Situations
Any sexual, verbal or physical conduct that unreasonably affects an individual’s employment by creating a hostile work environment or a quid pro quo situation constitutes harassment.
What Is A Hostile Work Environment?
In basic terms, a hostile work environment is considered an environment that, to any reasonable person, is so severe, abusive or offensive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job.
What Is A Quid Pro Quo Environment?
A quid pro quo claim occurs if an employee’s hiring, promotion, continued employment or other employment status is conditioned on sexual demands (including sex, dating, touching or other physical demands). Quid pro quo may also include claims based on retaliation when an employee or applicant refuses to consent to sexual demands.
What To Do After Experiencing Sexual Harassment At Work In Ohio
If someone at work is sexually harassing you, the first thing to do is to tell them to stop. If you feel uncomfortable doing so, referring to your employer’s guidelines on how to report sexual harassment is the next step.
If none of your attempts to stop the harassment are successful, legal action could be an option. If this is something you’re considering, it’s important to keep a record of all interactions, verbal or written, and any and all responses from your employer. This creates a paper trail that will be helpful if legal action is necessary.
Skilled, Compassionate Cincinnati Employment Law Attorneys
At The Butler Trial Firm, our employment law attorneys have decades of experience advocating for employees facing workplace sexual harassment and other discriminatory violations. We are committed to helping Ohio workers stand up against their harassers and fight to protect the rights and their careers they’ve worked hard to build.
Talk To A Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today. Free, Confidential Consultations.
Your workplace should be a safe and comfortable place. If it’s not, you have rights. And we are here to help. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Cincinnati hostile work environment or quid pro quo claims lawyers, call 513-909-3402 or contact us by email.
We have successfully represented both male and female clients in holding their harassers accountable and regaining a safe work environment.