Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin.
Furthermore, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), enforced by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment because of sex (gender), sexual orientation, marital status and pregnancy, and retaliation for protesting illegal discrimination related to one of these categories, among other protected traits.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on these protected traits, and further protection is provided in the work environment.
If you have suffered financial or emotional harm to sexual harassment in the workplace, you have rights. Call our Oakland sexual harassment laywers today, at (866) 506-1632 for a free consultation.
Sexual Harassment Is Given Special Treatment Under The Law
Women and men may both be sexually harassed, and not necessarily by the opposite sex. Sexual harassment is deliberate and repeated offensive behavior that is unwelcome, unwanted or abusive.
- It can be physical, verbal or indirect. Touching, direct proposition or any type of abuse is not necessary for sexual harassment to occur.
- Gestures, jokes, innuendos, epithets, slurs, derogatory comments, cat calls, photos, posters, drawings, notes, emails, leering looks and other unwanted sexual advances may be sexual harassment.
- Some behavior that is deliberate, inappropriate and extremely offensive is illegal after just one occurrence while others must be repeated to constitute harassment.
- Aggressors may be of the same sex as victims.
Flirting, joking and other seemingly innocent conduct involving sexuality is not always innocent. If you have been offended, harassed or abused by any person at work, including a supervisor or someone higher in the company hierarchy, it is important to consult a lawyer.
For more information about your particular situation, please view the following pages:
Sexual harassment may have profound effects on your job, including lost productivity; depression, emotional distress or anxiety; decreased pay, title or position; lost opportunities; or job loss.
Contact A California Sexual Harassment Attorney
It is important to take all the appropriate steps for reporting sexual harassment at work and filing a claim with DFEH. At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, our attorneys help workers throughout Northern and Southern California to obtain justice and monetary compensation for damages.
Contact us at (866) 506-1632 toll free to schedule a free, confidential initial consultation. We pursue all cases on a contingency fee basis.
**We do not represent perpetrators of sexual harassment or those who are accused of sexually harassing behavior.
