Holding The Perpetrators Of Sexual Harassment Accountable
No one should be subjected to sexual harassment in any setting. Sadly, being harassed or even assaulted while trying to earn a living is a reality for many women in Los Angeles and throughout California. In this new era of #MeToo, more people than ever before are coming forward to tell their stories and seek justice for what they have gone through.
Sexual harassment victims and sexual assault survivors in Los Angeles and Southern California can rely on the proven advocates at Makarem & Associates to assert their rights and empower them to move forward. Our sexual harassment lawyers represent employees who have been harassed or assaulted in the workplace.
Legal Protections For Employees
California law protects you from harassment by both supervisors and co-workers in addition to your protections against quid pro quo sexual harassment and hostile work environment by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This includes harassment in the form of physical conduct as well as verbal harassment. Examples include:
- Repeated compliments or comments on your appearance
- Discussing sexual acts in front of you
- Asking you about your own sex life
- Making unwanted sexual jokes around you
- Sending emails or text messages of a sexual nature
- Touching you without your consent
- Distributing your private images without your consent
Each of these situations presents a serious case of harassment that you have a right to not be exposed to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive at our office from victims of sexual harassment.
Who can be held liable for sexual harassment in California?
Under state law, all people responsible for the harassing conduct may be held liable for it. That includes both the individual who harassed you, whether they were your supervisor or not. Your employer can also be held liable for the harassment, because they are responsible for the actions of their employees or any agents acting on their behalf.
What types of remedies are available to victims of sexual harassment in California?
There are four types of remedies that you can receive if you succeed in a sexual harassment lawsuit. The most common form of damages are monetary damages for the emotional distress that you have suffered. The next most common remedy is rehiring or reinstatement if you were fired wrongfully terminated from your job. You can also receive lost wages for the time you should have been working if you were wrongfully terminated. Lastly, your employer may be required to change their practices to avoid future incidents of sexual harassment.
What should you do if you are the victim of sexual harassment?
There are a few things you need to do if you are experiencing sexual harassment:
- Preserve all evidence of the harassment
- Quickly reach out for help
- Record all future interactions you have with your employer
Don’t Suffer In A Hostile Work Environment A Moment Longer
If you are being sexually harassed by a supervisor or co-worker, complain to upper management and voice your concerns. If your employer does not protect you from the harassment or retaliates against you for your complaints, then you may have sexual harassment and discrimination claims against your employer. If your harasser is a supervisor, your employer may be strictly liable for the harassment regardless of any complaint by you.
In any case, your deadline to file a civil complaint may be fast approaching, so don’t wait – protect your rights and contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
