Our West Palm Beach sexual harassment attorneys are here to help you as you come forward and expose workplace sexual abuse and harassment. Do not allow pressure or fear to keep you from exposing harassment and abuse in the workplace. Call (561) 655-1990 for help as you seek justice for unlawful harassment and abuse in the workplace.
Common Forms of Workplace Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment
Sexual abuse and harassment can take many forms. Any unwanted touching or advancements can be classified as abuse and harassment. However, most incidents fall under three common forms of workplace sexual harassment and abuse:
- Unsolicited Sexual Advances — You have the legal right to say “no” to any sexual advances that are instituted without your consent. Unwanted sexual advances can take many forms, including pressure to accept a dinner invitation, touching, bribes for sexual favors, and threats if you do not perform sexual behaviors. Offensive and unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, and language can also fall under this category of workplace sexual abuse and harassment.
- Sexual Coercion — There can be some overlap in this category from the above category. For example, job-related bribes such as a bigger office or a promotion can be considered sexual coercion. Threats of being fired or demoted can also be considered sexual coercion. Your employer or another employee cannot use threats or bribes to coerce you to have sexual interactions. Rape and sexual assault can also fall into this category of workplace sexual abuse.
- Gender Harassment — Gender harassment is another common form of abuse and harassment in the workplace. If you are targeted because of your gender or gender identity, you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment. Mocking, threatening, telling inappropriate jokes, using offensive language, or making denigrating comments intended to embarrass, humiliate, isolate, or intimidate an employee can be considered as general harassment in the workplace.
We do not want you to feel as if you must remain silent about the abuse because you are “trapped” in a job. Our Florida workplace sexual abuse attorneys want to help you gain justice for the serious and illegal behavior that has caused you to become a victim of sexual abuse and harassment. You have options to bring about change and seek justice for your damages.
What Should I Do If I Am a Victim of Sexual Abuse & Harassment at Work?
Report the abuse and document everything! It is very important that you report the abuse and harassment to your employer. It is understandable that you might be intimidated and afraid. However, these emotions are exactly the weapon an abuser or harasser uses to prevent you from reporting the incident and taking steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
To help build a persuasive case against the person who is sexually abusing or harassing you at work, remember to:
- Document your experience with the harasser or abuser. Include information about the time and location of each incident with the details of what happened. If there were any witnesses to the harassment or abuse, keep a detailed list of the names of the witnesses who can corroborate the events.
- When you report the abuse or harassment, keep detailed notes about your experience reporting the incident to your employer. Again, your notes should include a detailed explanation of how you reported the incident, the date and time of your report, the names and titles of individuals who took your report, and names of any witnesses to your report. If you submit a written report, you need to make sure you retain copies for your records.
- Retain copies of all documents related to the harassment or sexual abuse, including correspondence, emails, reports, and affidavits.
- In addition to notes about the incident and how you reported the abuse to your employer, you should also include documentation and notes about your job performance during the abuse and after you report the abuse. Information about your job productivity could be a key element in your claim.
Sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace should not be tolerated. If you are unsure what you need to do, contact our office for a free consultation with an experienced West Palm Beach sexual harassment attorney.
