Compassionate Legal Support for Sexual Harassment Victims in Riverside
As a premier employment law firm serving Riverside and beyond, we understand the emotional and professional toll sexual harassment can take. Whether it’s unwelcome advances, a hostile work environment, or retaliation for reporting misconduct, our experienced attorneys are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal support. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge while demonstrating our firm’s expertise in this critical area of law. Contact us to speak to a Riverside sexual harassment attorney who is committed to helping victims pursue justice, hold wrongdoers accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates both federal and state laws. It involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual’s employment or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. In California, this is explicitly prohibited under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which applies to all employers regardless of size when it comes to harassment provisions.
The impact of sexual harassment extends far beyond the immediate discomfort—it can lead to anxiety, depression, job loss, and long-term career setbacks. In Riverside, where industries like healthcare, education, retail, and logistics employ thousands, reports of workplace harassment are unfortunately common. According to recent statistics, women are disproportionately affected, facing higher rates of harassment, but men and non-binary individuals can also be victims.
Key Elements of Sexual Harassment Claims
To establish a sexual harassment claim, the conduct must typically be severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment. Isolated incidents may qualify if they are particularly egregious, such as attempted assault. Importantly, harassment doesn’t need to result in tangible economic harm; the creation of a hostile environment alone can suffice. California’s laws are robust in this regard, offering broader protections than federal standards in many cases.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment manifests in various forms, and understanding these can help victims identify when their rights are being violated. At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, we handle all types of cases, drawing on our deep expertise to build strong claims.
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
This occurs when a supervisor or person in authority conditions employment benefits—like promotions, raises, or job security—on submitting to sexual advances. For example, a manager implying that a positive performance review depends on a date or sexual favor constitutes quid pro quo harassment. This type is often covert, making it challenging to prove without experienced legal guidance.
Hostile Work Environment
More common in Riverside workplaces, this involves ongoing unwelcome conduct that makes the workplace intimidating or offensive. Examples include repeated sexual jokes, obscene gestures, displaying explicit materials, or unwanted touching. Even if the harasser is a co-worker rather than a supervisor, the employer can be liable if they knew or should have known about the behavior and failed to act.
Other Forms
- Verbal Harassment: Lewd jokes, comments, propositions, rumors, or threats. Repeated requests for dates or sexual contact.
- Physical Harassment: Inappropriate or unwanted touching, blocking movement, or assault.
- Visual Harassment: Sharing pornographic images or staring in a sexual manner.
- Retaliation: Punishing an employee for reporting harassment, such as demotion or increased scrutiny.
California Sexual Harassment Laws in 2025
California leads the nation in protecting workers from sexual harassment. The FEHA prohibits harassment based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and it covers employers of all sizes for harassment claims. Recent updates in 2025 have expanded definitions to include more subtle forms of misconduct and strengthened training requirements. Employers with five or more employees must provide at least two hours of harassment prevention training to supervisors and one hour to non-supervisors every two years.
Additionally, federal Title VII of the Civil Rights Act applies, enforced by the EEOC, but California’s laws often provide greater remedies, including unlimited compensatory and punitive damages. In 2025, new provisions under AB 1015 emphasize inclusive training on harassment related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
For Riverside residents, local ordinances may align with state laws, but filing often involves state agencies. Our lawyers at Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP stay abreast of these evolving laws to ensure our clients receive the most current representation.
Legal Protections for Workers in Riverside
California provides some of the strongest employee protections in the nation. Employers are legally obligated to:
- Prevent harassment in the workplace
- Promptly investigate complaints
- Take corrective action against offenders
- Protect employees from retaliation
Employees are protected whether they are full-time, part-time, temporary, or even unpaid interns. The law also protects workers from harassment by supervisors, co-workers, and even clients or customers.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in Riverside, CA
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in Riverside, timely action is crucial. The statute of limitations under FEHA is generally three years from the last incident, but filing with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) is a prerequisite for lawsuits.
Steps to File a Claim
- Document Everything: Keep records of incidents, witnesses, and communications.
- Report Internally: Notify your employer or HR, if safe to do so.
- File with CRD or EEOC: Submit an intake form online, by phone, or in person. Riverside County has resources through the County Human Resources for complaints against county employees.
- Consult a Lawyer: We offer free consultations to evaluate your case.
- Pursue Litigation: If mediation fails, we can file a lawsuit in Riverside Superior Court.
Common challenges include proving pervasiveness or employer liability, but our firm’s track record in similar cases ensures thorough preparation. Remedies may include back pay, emotional distress damages, and attorney fees.
Why Choose Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP as Your Riverside Sexual Harassment Attorney
At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, we bring unparalleled experience and expertise to sexual harassment cases. Founded by John D. Winer, who has practiced since 1980, our team boasts over 60 years of combined legal experience in employment law. We are nationally recognized, with awards including finalist for California Consumer Attorney of the Year and San Francisco Trial Attorney of the Year, as noted by the New York Times.
Our expertise is evident in our handling of complex cases, from quid pro quo to retaliation claims. Attorneys like John Winer are praised by mediators for their exceptional skills in over 1,500 cases. We are authoritative leaders in the field, frequently taking on large corporations and securing results with integrity.
Trust is at the core of our practice. We operate on a contingency basis, advance case costs, and provide free confidential consultations. While our main offices are in Oakland and San Francisco, we proudly serve Riverside clients with the same dedication, traveling as needed for in-person support.
Our Track Record
Our firm has handled hundreds of sexual harassment cases throughout California, including in Riverside and the Inland Empire. We bring:
- Over $225 million recovered for clients in employment and personal injury claims
- Decades of experience litigating high-profile sexual harassment lawsuits
- Board-Certified civil trial attorneys and a deep bench of legal professionals
- Personalized, trauma-informed legal support for every client
- Offices across California with local experience in Riverside workplaces
We don’t just take on cases—we take on causes. When you contact our Riverside sexual harassment attorneys, you’re gaining a dedicated team committed to changing toxic workplace cultures.
Common Sexual Harassment Cases in Riverside Workplaces
In Riverside, common scenarios include:
- Healthcare Settings: Unwanted advances from colleagues or superiors in hospitals.
- Retail and Service Industries: Verbal harassment or quid pro quo in customer-facing roles.
- Education and Government: Discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees, exacerbated by recent policy shifts.
- Manufacturing: Physical or visual harassment in male-dominated environments.
These cases often involve retaliation, where victims face demotion after reporting. Our firm has extensive experience addressing these in California courts.
At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, we help clients navigate the complaint process with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and pursue civil lawsuits when appropriate.
Serving Riverside and Surrounding Areas
While our main offices are based in Oakland and San Francisco, we have additional offices in Palo Alto, Newport Beach, and Woodland Hills.
We proudly serve clients in Riverside County and throughout Southern and Northern California, including:
- Corona
- Moreno Valley
- Jurupa Valley
- Temecula
- Hemet
- Perris
- Palm Springs
If you’ve been harassed in any public or private workplace in the Inland Empire, we’re ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sexual Harassment
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in California?
In most cases, you must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the incident. After receiving a “Right to Sue” notice, you typically have one year to file a civil lawsuit.
Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?
No. Retaliation against an employee for reporting harassment is illegal. If your employer demotes, disciplines, or fires you for coming forward, you may have an additional retaliation claim.
Do I need proof to file a sexual harassment lawsuit?
No, you do not need physical proof to file a lawsuit. However, documentation like emails, text messages, witness statements, or a pattern of behavior can strengthen your case. Even without direct evidence, your sworn testimony is valid and powerful under the law.
Can I sue if I didn’t report the harassment to HR?
Yes, in some cases. While it’s generally recommended to report the harassment through internal channels, failure to do so does not automatically invalidate your claim—especially if reporting would have been futile or dangerous.
Can I remain anonymous during a harassment lawsuit?
Generally, civil lawsuits become part of the public record, but in certain situations—especially involving trauma or high-profile cases—courts may allow limited anonymity or protective orders. Our firm can request these protections where appropriate.
I’m an independent contractor—am I still protected?
Yes. Under California law, certain protections extend to independent contractors, freelancers, interns, and volunteers. You may still have a valid claim, depending on the relationship and conduct involved.
What if I signed an NDA or arbitration agreement?
Recent California laws limit the enforceability of NDAs and forced arbitration in sexual harassment cases. Even if you signed one, you may still be able to pursue your claim in court. We can help review your contract and advise on your rights.
What damages can I recover?
Emotional distress is often a major component of compensation in sexual harassment cases. This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the harassment. Other types of damages recoverable can include compensation for lost wages, punitive damages, medical or therapy costs, and more.
Speak with Our Riverside Sexual Harassment Attorney Today
Don’t suffer in silence—reach out to Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, your trusted Riverside sexual harassment attorneys. With our proven experience, expertise, and commitment to trustworthiness, we’re ready to stand by your side. Contact us by giving us a call or by filling out our online form for a confidential consultation. Let us help you reclaim your dignity and secure the justice you deserve.