YES. It is illegal for anyone to be subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, regardless of sex. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination, which is illegal. It does not matter what sex the victim or harasser is, as there is no requirement that the harassment occur between members of the opposite sex. Many men experience sexual harassment from other men.
While women do make up the majority of all sexual harassment reports, according to data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the principal federal agency in charge investigating workplace sexual harassment complaints, men filed slightly under one-fifth (16.5%) of the sexual harassment complaints received by the agency in fiscal year 2017.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment occurs when an individual’s submission to or rejection of unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other sexual verbal or physical conduct directly or indirectly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. A hostile work environment includes offensive touching, verbal threats, and more.
Sexual harassment is underreported, but perhaps even more so by men, due to cultural expectations. Some men do not realize that the treatment they are receiving is sexual harassment, and others fear that supervisors and loved ones will not believe them if they report the harassment. However, it is important to know that there are laws that protect everyone from sexual harassment in the workplace, and no one should have to experience workplace harassment.
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 by a boss who may have an unwanted relationship with you, please contact our dedicated and experienced discrimination attorneys at Makarem & Associates at 310.312.0299 or email us at [email protected].
https://www.eeoc.gov/fact-sheet/facts-about-sexual-harassment
