While there are federal and state laws pertaining to workplace sexual harassment, it still takes place. Both men and women fall victim to sexual harassment while on the job.
If you have been subjected to sexual harassment, you can pursue a claim against your employer to recover compensation for the damages that you suffered because of the unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, and other behaviors that were targeted against you because of your gender.
Five Facts About Sexual Harassment
There are many things to consider when you believe sexual harassment took place. Here are five facts about sexual harassment, and these details could help you with your sexual harassment claim against your employer.
- In 2022, there were 11,090 sexual harassment allegations filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against job applicants or employees because of gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, or other factors. The EEOC does not charge for services. They will investigate your claim and work to resolve the issue between you and your employer.
- When looking at the sexual harassment claims filed against employers, 83.2 percent were filed by females. While men can also be victims of sexual harassment, it is much more common for a female to fall victim to workplace sexual harassment. If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, you should take action. The harasser does not have to be of the opposite sex of the victim. Men harass men, men harass women, women harass men, women harass women. The harasser’s conduct must be unwelcome, and there must be a pattern of behavior because a single offense will not be considered harassment.
- Reports indicate that 34 percent of women have been victims of workplace sexual harassment. There are standards that employers must uphold, and federal and state laws were enacted for a reason. If you have been sexually harassed while on the job, you should file a complaint. You want to make sure the behavior is put to a stop and that you and no other women fall victim to the inappropriate actions of your employer.
- The numbers are quite alarming. Studies show that 9 percent of women have changed jobs, quit jobs, or sought a new assignment because of sexual harassment creating a hostile work environment. If you believe you are in a hostile work environment because of sexual harassment, you may have grounds for a sexual harassment claim. A hostile work environment exists when the behavior of someone within the place of employment creates an environment that is uncomfortable or difficult for someone else to work in because of the discrimination either they endure or watch others endure.
- Not everyone who is sexually harassed on the job reports the harassment they suffer. Only 10 percent of women and 5 percent of men report sexual harassment to an authority figure, which would be a manager or to the employer’s human resources (HR) department. Experts estimate that anywhere from 90 to 95 percent of sexual harassment in the workplace goes unreported. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, gather all supporting evidence and documentation then file a complaint in writing with your employer. Be sure to document their response to your claim.
Filing Your Claim
The first step in pursuing a workplace sexual harassment claim is notifying your employer. This is done by either filing a claim with the HR office or your supervisor.
Be sure to maintain documentation and make note of your employer’s response. If the issue is not resolved, then file a complaint with the EEOC. They will investigate and work to resolve the matter.
If the EEOC finds a pattern of such behavior, or if they find intentional illegal actions, they can recommend you file a lawsuit against your employer.
When you file a sexual harassment claim against your place of employment, you can recover compensation for your damages, including lost wages, lost benefits, mental anguish, and so forth. You should speak with an employment law attorney who handles sexual harassment claims.
When you meet with an employment law attorney be sure to discuss their payment. Some lawyers work on a contingency basis while others charge a retainer and work for an hourly rate.
You do have limited time to pursue a sexual harassment claim, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form so you can make sure things get underway before time runs out.
