Los Angeles Employee Sexual Harassment: Know Your Rights Under California Law (2025 Guide)
Sexual harassment doesn’t just affect someone emotionally — it threatens their job, career, and dignity. If
you’re an employee in Los Angeles, you’re protected by California’s robust workplace harassment
laws, as well as local ordinances designed to strengthen your rights.
This 2025 legal guide will help you identify sexual harassment, report it safely, and take legal action if
needed — all while explaining the local laws and resources available to Los Angeles workers.
What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment at Work in Los Angeles?
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual conduct that interferes with your job performance or
creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment.
Common examples include:
• Repeated sexual jokes or comments
• Unwanted touching or groping
• Suggestive texts or photos from a coworker or boss
• Being offered a raise or promotion in exchange for sexual favors (quid pro quo)
• Sexual insults, rumors, or gestures
This type of harassment can be verbal, physical, visual, or digital — and it’s illegal whether it comes
from a supervisor, coworker, client, or vendor.
Your Legal Protections as an Employee in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, you’re protected under multiple overlapping laws:
Law Covers
California FEHA Harassment based on sex, gender, identity, orientation, pregnancy, etc.
Title VII (Federal) Protects against sexual harassment in companies with 15+ employees
Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights Adds local enforcement options, penalties, and access to LA CHRED
Ordinance
These laws protect:
- Full-time and part-time employees
• Interns and apprentices
• Independent contractors
• Undocumented workers
How to Report Sexual Harassment at Work in Los Angeles
You have the legal right to report harassment without fear of being fired or demoted.
Here’s how to report safely:
1. Internally: Report to your company’s HR department or a supervisor
2. Externally: File a complaint with:
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) – https://calcivilrights.ca.gov
• The EEOC (federal)
• The Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (CHRED) –
https://civilandhumanrights.lacity.org
Tip: Document every incident and keep copies of emails, texts, or reports.
Can You Be Fired for Reporting Harassment in Los Angeles?
No. It is illegal for an employer to:
• Fire you
• Demote or reduce your hours
• Exclude you from meetings or promotions
• Retaliate in any form for reporting harassment
If they do, you may file a retaliation or wrongful termination claim — and seek financial
compensation.
How to Sue for Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles
To sue your employer:
1. File a CRD complaint and request a Right-to-Sue Letter
2. Hire an employment lawyer in Los Angeles
3. File your claim in Los Angeles Superior Court
4. Seek damages for:
• Lost income
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Attorney’s fees
Settlement amounts range from:
• $20,000–$50,000 (mild cases)
• $50,000–$200,000 (with retaliation)
• $200,000–$1M+ (for severe harassment or wrongful termination)
High-Risk Industries for Harassment in Los Angeles
Harassment can happen in any workplace, but these sectors see higher reporting rates in LA:
• Entertainment and media
• Restaurants and hospitality
• Healthcare and caregiving
• Retail and beauty services
• Tech startups and gig companies
These industries often lack structured HR departments, making employees more vulnerable.
How to Document Harassment for Legal Protection
Start gathering evidence as soon as you suspect harassment. This includes:
• Dates, times, and descriptions of each incident
• Emails, texts, or photos showing misconduct
• Copies of any HR complaints or responses
• Witness names or statements
You don’t need to have every detail — just enough to show a pattern or serious misconduct.
When to Call a Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney
Contact an employment lawyer if:
• You’re being retaliated against
• HR ignored your report
• You were forced to quit or were fired
• You want to explore a lawsuit or settlement
Many LA-based attorneys like Makarem & Associates offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis — meaning you only pay if you win.
Local Resources for Harassment Victims in Los Angeles
LA CHRED Complaint Line: (213) 978-1845
• Legal Aid at Work: Free legal assistance for low-income workers
• California Women’s Law Center
• EEOC Los Angeles Office: (800) 669-4000
• California CRD: calcivilrights.ca.gov
Protect Yourself and Speak Up
If you’re facing sexual harassment in Los Angeles, remember this:
➡️ You are not alone
➡️ You have rights under California and Los Angeles law
➡️ You cannot be legally fired for reporting harassment
Take action:
• Document everything
• Report to HR or legal channels
• Consult an attorney if needed
Justice begins with your voice. The law is here to protect it.
