You Report Sexual Harassment and Nothing Happens…
Sexual harassment is something that anyone could be subjected to at the workplace. This type of harassment can take on many forms, and if you feel as if you are experiencing sexual harassment, this is a serious issue. Unwanted sexual favors, gestures, jokes, physical acts, among many others, are some examples of the form sexual harassment can take on. If you feel as if you are being sexually harassed at the workplace, it is your right to seek justice.
What Are the Laws Protecting Me?
Sexual harassment is illegal federally under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”). It is illegal to be retaliated against for speaking out against sexual harassment at work. It is also illegal for your employer to retaliate against you in terms of your employment or ignore your claim of sexual harassment as well. Your employer must take prompt action in order to investigate the matter and make sure you feel comfortable at work.
So You’ve Made A Report…And Nothing Happens. What Now?
Reporting sexual harassment at the workplace is challenging in itself and a step you should be proud to have taken. However, sometimes reports happen and they go unchanged. It has been found that oftentimes the grievance process at a workplace can fail. This can happen for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes reporters can face retaliation for bringing it to their employer’s attention, the grievance process rarely leads to the removal of a harasser, and all too often there sometimes is not a formal grievance process to go through making the entire situation that much more confusing.
Though aggravating, hope is not lost. After filing a grievance with your employer, you can then contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency that is responsible for enforcing federal laws against sexual harassment. You could then file with California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). If you choose to file a charge with the FEHA, it may be automatically “dual-filed” with the EEOC as well. After these steps, make sure you seek the help of an experienced employment attorney.
Need The Help Of An Experienced Employment Law Attorney?
Sexual harassment is a serious issue in the workplace and if you are considering filing with the FEHA and EEOC, our attorneys are here to help you in every step of the way. If you believe you are facing a hostile work environment caused by sexual harassment, please contact our dedicated and experienced discrimination attorneys at Makarem & Associates at 310.312.0299 or email us at [email protected].
