Determining whether sexual harassment has occurred in the workplace depends on several factors. Generally speaking, any kind of sexually suggestive comments or actions are considered harassment if they are unwanted and uninvited. If you are uncertain about whether your situation is harassment, a sexual harassment lawyer can review your case and help you determine if you are a victim.
Sexual assault is the type of crime that offers more than one way to punish and deter an aggressor. The victim of a sexual assault has options when it comes to punishing their attacker and taking steps to prevent the attacker from hurting anyone else in the future. It is important for a sexual assault victim to hire an experienced and compassionate lawyer who understands how to utilize the legal system to the victim’s advantage.
The seriousness of sexual harassment in the modern workplace cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that at least 25 percent of women have experienced sexual harassment at work. It has also been established that the number of men experiencing workplace sexual harassment is on the rise as well. Sexual harassment at work affects both employees and employers. For instance, it can be detrimental to the employee’s financial, mental, and physical well-being. On the other hand, sexual harassment can cost employers in terms of legal costs and reduced productivity. Below are some recommendations that you can count on to address workplace sexual harassment.
Men and women can become targets for sexual harassment in the workplace, and both men and women can be sexual harassers. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in 2018, there were over 13,055 charges for sexual harassment. Have you experienced sexual harassment in your workplace? In New York State, sexual harassment is defined as any form of unwelcome sexual advances. These sexual advances include, but are not limited to sexual favor requests, and physical and verbal harassment of a sexual nature. New York State employers have the responsibility of creating a sexual harassment-free work environment for their employees. As an employee in New York State, you are entitled to a work environment that is free from sexual harassment.
The #MeToo movement dominated the headlines of 2017. It was the largest sexual harassment event of the generation, and its effects are still lingering on in the workplace. The ‘Silence Breakers’ from the movement were collectively named the 2017 Person of the Year by TIME and for the last several years stories of harassment and abuse in all sectors of business have been pouring out. While its evident that people are taking notice of the movement, the real question is what type of impact #MeToo has really had in the workplace.
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), every 92 seconds another American becomes a victim of sexual assault. It is estimated that 321,500 people are sexually assaulted every year in the United States, and the number is likely higher since many people do not report sexual assault out of fear or shame. If you are one of these victims, you may find yourself in need of support. There are many national resources for sexual assault survivors that can help you make sense of your world again following sexual assault.
If you feel that you have been a victim of workplace sexual harassment, it’s important that you know your rights. Every worker should be protected against sexual harassment, and it is the responsibility of the employer to provide a healthy, safe work environment for everyone. There are several requirements that are placed on employers to ensure that every workplace is kept free of sexual harassment, and policies that must be in place to deal with any incidents.
Sexual harassment and all crimes of that type are found in the Human Rights Laws of New York State. Many people are unfamiliar with these laws because they do not understand how the law can protect a person’s right to a fulfilling life. Once you understand what these laws are for and how you can file an alleged violation, then you empower yourself to use the law to possibly prevent people from discriminating against you.
No one should be harassed in the workplace, but there are situations where people feel harassed whether it is sexually, racially, gender based, or physical harassment. There are legal protections in place to help employees escape harassing activities. If you are the victim of pervasive harassment it may be time to take legal action to restore your safety at your workplace.
Your time at your workplace should be about productivity, not about dealing with unwanted requests for sex in the workplace. If your co-workers or boss is making inappropriate comments or sexual advances at you then the law is on your side. There are safeguards in place to prevent you from sexual harassment in the workplace. These protections protect people regardless of gender and regardless of who approaches them with an unwelcome request for sex at their workplace.