A study published by ABC News/Washington Post Polls indicates that one in four women has been sexually harassed with a total of 64 percent seeing sexual harassment as a problem in the country as a whole.
It is unfortunate that the statistics reflect these remarkably steep figures however, even more dreadful is the possibility that those numbers may be inaccurate based on erroneous data collected from people who may not be in complete comprehension of what sexual harassment entails.
Therefore, it is essential for every individual to gain a full understanding of what sexual harassment is and the laws that support those who are being/have been victimized by this type of misconduct in the workplace.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is responsible for the enforcement of employment laws, making it illegal to discriminate in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects employees from various forms of discrimination at work. Sexual harassment is a type of gender discrimination and it is illegal. While the law is notably precise when it comes to describing what sexual harassment is, it does not fully characterize every aspect of negligence.
Therefore, I have made a list of some “not so obvious” clues that manifest in the unlawful behavior of NY, NJ, and Philadelphia sexual harassment.
Hidden signs include:
- A supervisor, coworker or client asking questions detailing your social or personal life; or that individual telling you about his/her personal business.
- The constant comments of a supervisor, client or coworker regarding your clothes, body or appearance.
- Being called pet names such as “hunnie,” “sweetie,” “babe” or “baby” just to name a few.
- When you feel uncomfortable by the sexual undertones in his/her body language at work. These undertones can be conveyed by a coworker, client, or supervisor or even a supervisor from another department.
- When your supervisor, coworker or client hugs you, rubs you or pats you to get his/her point across.
- When comments, jokes, pictures, cartoons or any other materials with sexual annotations are circulating in the workplace.
If you have experienced any of the above behavior, you may be feeling confused, frustrated, upset, angry or even guilty. It’s important to know that you are not at fault. It may be difficult but if you feel comfortable confronting your harasser, then do so. Advise him or her that the behavior is unwelcome and it needs to stop immediately. Report the inappropriate behavior to the respective supervisor, or department. Keep important notes such as dates, times, and names of the individuals that you verbally reported the behavior to. Make certain to keep copies of written letters and documents pertaining to your harassment.
Lastly you will want to contact one of our attorneys here at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC by calling our toll-free number 877-469-5297. Having an experienced attorney who is competent in handling sexual harassment cases as well as all areas of employment law is the key to bringing a successful resolution to your hostile work environment case. Here at the Derek Smith Law Firm Our New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia attorneys are compassionate about what you are going through, yet we are aggressive and will fight to the fullest extent of the law for your rights. Do not ignore the harassment you may be experiencing at work. Say no to working in a job environment that causes you mental distress.
If the tables were turned and you were not able to favorably complete your job, your employer would have little apprehensions about terminating your employment, so why should you keep quiet about misconduct that is affecting your job performance? Hire the best attorney for your case to get the job completed.
If you have questions about sexual harassment or other employment-related misconduct, speak with a NY, NJ, and PA Sexual Harassment Lawyer regarding your case. Please feel free to contact the employment law attorney at the Derek Smith personally at the law firm of Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC by calling our toll-free number 877-469-5297 today.
