Being the victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse in the workplace can result in feelings of doubt, anger, fear, guilt, and frustration. However, a victim needs to understand that there is help available so that he or she is not hesitant about reporting the sexual abuse and harassment. As we have seen with the #METOO movement, there is an overwhelming amount of support from other victims and the community for victims who come forward to report incidents of workplace abuse and harassment.
You are not alone!
Our West Palm Beach sexual harassment attorneys are here to help you bring to light the despicable and illegal actions of a workplace abuser or harasser. We want you to know that we will assist you in filing a claim and seeking justice for yourself and others who have suffered because of sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the workplace. The attorneys of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will stand beside you and fight for your legal rights. We are here to provide support, guidance, and legal advice as you take each step on the path to bringing your abuser to justice.
Retaliation for Reporting Workplace Sexual Harassment
One of the most common reasons why a victim is hesitant to report the abuse and harassment is the fear of retaliation by an employer or supervisor. However, there are laws at the federal, state, and local levels to protect victims who speak up from retaliation by employers.
For instance, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects your rights if you file a sexual harassment claim for sexual abuse or illegal conduct in the workplace. If you are acting in good faith by filing a claim, the protections in Title VII remain in full force and effect, even if your claim is denied or found to be without sufficient evidence to pursue. Examples of actions that employers are forbidden to take in retaliation for a sexual harassment or abuse claim include demotions, poor performance reviews that are unmerited, job termination, threats, harassment, and increased scrutiny of the employee.
If you are a victim of workplace sexual misconduct, you are protected by law from employer retaliation for taking steps to report the incident including:
- Filing a report of sexual abuse or harassment with your supervisor or employer;
- Filing and pursuing a sexual harassment complaint through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC);
- Revealing your intention to file a workplace sexual harassment lawsuit;
- Assisting in the investigation of a workplace sexual misconduct allegation; and,
- Acting as a witness for or supporting another employee who is claiming to be a victim of sexual abuse or harassment at work.
If you believe your rights have been violated, you need to contact our West Palm Beach employment attorney immediately. You have legal rights, and you need to exercise those rights. The first step is learning about your rights from an experienced Florida employment attorney who handles workplace sexual harassment claims.
Support for Those Who File Workplace Sexual Harassment or Sexual Abuse Claims
It takes a great deal of courage to step forward to file a workplace sexual abuse claim. The West Palm Beach attorneys of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath commend you on your courage. We also want you to know that we are here for you when you need legal counsel to help you through the process of filing a sexual harassment claim.
Proving employer retaliation can be difficult in some cases. Employers may try to conceal retaliation by finding other reasons to justify the actions taking against you after you file a claim. If you believe your employer is attempting to retaliate against you for filing a sexual misconduct complaint, we can help. Our attorneys will investigate the matter thoroughly and aggressively to uncover any evidence that shows your employer’s true motives. We will stand beside you during each step of the process to fight to protect your legal rights.
Click HERE to receive information about contacting our office online, by telephone, and in person. You can talk to a representative by using the Live Chat feature on our Home Page, or you can call our number 1-(561) 655-1990 to speak to someone directly.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
515 N Flagler Dr, 10th Floor
West Palm Beach Florida, FL 33401
(561) 655-1990
