Sacramento Male Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sacramento Male Sexual Harassment Attorney

If you are an employee in California, it is important that you are aware of the rights that are protected under the law. All Californian employees are entitled to a safe work environment that is free from hostile acts. This can include sexual harassment. If you have experienced any form of sexual harassment while in the workplace, you should consider engaging the help of a Sacramento male sexual harassment lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help review your situation and provide advice.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in the workplace can include any type of unwelcome sexual advances. This can come in physical, verbal, or visual forms that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. The harassment does not need to be motivated by a sexual desire, but it may be based upon an employee’s perceived gender or sex.

Types of Sexual Harassment

There are a few different forms of sexual harassment to be aware of.

• Hostile work environment. Harassment in a hostile work environment means that conduct or speech is severe enough that it creates an intimidating work environment that negatively affects the employee’s job performance.
• Quid pro quo. This form of harassment occurs when a supervisor or coworker asks you to do something in exchange for sexual favors. Quid pro quo means “this for that.” This type of harassment is typically conducted by someone in a position of power in the workplace.

What to Do If You Experience Sexual Harassment

If you experience sexual harassment at work in Sacramento, there are a few options that you have available to you.

• It can be beneficial to read your company’s sexual harassment policy. Most public companies will have this available to all employees. You should read the policy and take action accordingly.
• Put your complaints in writing and keep adequate records of every incident that happens. It is important to note the date, time, and the people involved in each incident.
• Inform your employer of the incidents or accidents that happen. This step is very important. Depending on the specific policy of your employer, not reporting the sexual harassment may impact your ability to pursue action against your employer. In most successful sexual harassment cases, the employer is aware of the action and fails to correct it. If your employer is not made aware of the circumstances, they may not be expected to correct the action.
• File a complaint with the appropriate agency. A complaint may be filed with the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Your complaint will be evaluated, and if deemed necessary, an investigation will be conducted.
• If your situation is life-threatening, then filing a complaint will not provide an immediate solution. You should call 911, report the incident to the authorities, and seek proper medical treatment.

Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

It’s important to remember that, ultimately, the employer is responsible for protecting their employees from harassment while at work. The employer must set guidelines and policies in place to prevent discrimination and harassment. Some common ways to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace include:

• Having a sexual harassment policy. The policy should be in writing and easily accessible to all employees. The policy should include examples of different forms of sexual harassment so that employees can easily identify it in the workplace. The employer must communicate this policy and its implementation to its employees effectively.
• Promote a conducive environment. A conducive environment is one where employees feel supported and encouraged to report any incidents that occur. Creating a welcoming and accepting environment is beneficial to all employees. It is important that human resources personnel are equipped with the tools and resources to effectively document and respond to complaints in the workplace.
• Have a clear system for reporting. Employees need a clear system for reporting incidents without fear of retaliation.
• Offer training. Offering sexual harassment training to employees is a good way to keep harassment at the front of everyone’s mind. This can help employers do their part to prevent sexual harassment.
• Offer support. It is very important that employers support their employees that come forward. Employers should conduct thorough investigations into any complaints.

When to File a Lawsuit

Engaging a sexual harassment attorney and explaining the situation to them can help you determine if a lawsuit is appropriate. You could also receive a right-to-sue notice from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. This will allow you to file a civil suit with the California Supreme Court if necessary.

Damages That Could Be Recovered

There are several damages that you could be entitled to in a sexual harassment case.

• Economic damages. Economic damages available could include lost wages, lost promotions, or benefits. For example, if you resign from your job because of harassment, you could receive compensation for the lost wages and benefits. Other economic damages recoverable could include medical expenses and transportation costs if applicable.
• Non-economic damages. Non-economic damages could include emotional distress, reputational damage, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and any other pain and suffering.
• Punitive damages. Punitive damages are also a possibility. Punitive damages are meant as a means to punish the guilty party and discourage any similar action from happening in the future. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but it is up to the court’s discretion.

FAQs

Q: What Happens If You Are Sexually Harassed at Work?

A: If you are sexually harassed at work, you should file a complaint with your supervisor immediately. There are different types of sexual harassment that can be experienced at work, and if you do not speak up, then the harassment may not stop. The perpetrator may not end the behavior until you file a complaint or pursue charges. Employees in California are protected from any form of harassment while at work, and it is important that violators of this rule are held accountable.

Q: What Is Unlawful Harassment in California?

A: Unlawful harassment in California can include any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace. Sexual harassment, specifically, can be defined as any unwanted sexually suggestive physical or verbal advances or behavior toward a person with whom there is a professional relationship.

Workplace harassment in California is governed by the Civil Rights Department, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the California Family Rights Act. If you experience any form of unlawful harassment, you should speak with an employment lawyer who can help.

Q: Can You Sue for Harassment in California?

A: Yes, you can sue for harassment in California. Harassment in the workplace is prohibited according to the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Any victims of sexual assault or sexual misconduct at work could pursue legal action against the perpetrator. Victims could receive compensation for any pain and suffering, lost wages, and any emotional or physical traumas they incur.

The most important thing to do is to let your employer know immediately about the harassment. If no corrective action is taken, then a claim may be the right solution.

Q: How Do You File Harassment Charges in California?

A: To file harassment charges in California, you may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. A complaint can be filed by mail, online, or over the phone. Harassment claims can also be filed with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at their website. Complaints can be filed with either agency, and they are automatically cross-filed with each other. Therefore, you only need to submit one complaint. The complaint will be evaluated, and an investigation could ensue if deemed applicable.

Q: Who Is Protected From Workplace Sexual Harassment in California?

A: All California employees are protected from sexual harassment. Employees have the right to a safe work environment free from any hostile actions or conditions. This includes men and women alike. California provides equal protection to employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender, age, or social status.

Whether companies are private or public, they have a responsibility to ensure that proper conduct is always maintained. The employer is responsible for the culture they create, and they are held accountable for any type of sexual harassment that happens.

The Legal Support You Need

Sexual harassment is a very sensitive topic. There is a misconception that sexual harassment can only apply to women in the workplace. However, there are many cases of men experiencing forms of sexual harassment at work as well. It is important that men in the workplace understand that they have rights and resources available to them if they feel uncomfortable about something at work. An experienced sexual harassment attorney could be the right resource for them.

At the Fulton Law Corporation, our legal team has decades of legal experience, and with our measured advice, and tireless dedication, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the compassion and diligence needed to get the favorable outcome you desire. Our team has helped individuals all across the great state of California with their legal cases, and we can offer the support you need. Contact our office today to speak with an attorney.