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Sexual harassment in the workplace has always been an issue. However, many people ignore the possibility of virtual sexual harassment when employees work from home. Virtual sexual harassment is as much of a problem as in-office sexual harassment.
Online sexual harassment occurs when an employer, coworker, manager, or fellow employee uses the internet, email, or text messaging to send sexually explicit messages and requests to employees.
Virtual sexual harassment has added to the over 7,500 sexual harassment claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the past year. The dedicated sexual harassment attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group can help you fight virtual sexual harassment at work.
For over 25 years, our sexual harassment lawyers have worked with clients to stop sexual harassment in its tracks, whether in person or online.
Virtual sexual harassment occurs when an employer, manager, supervisor, coworker, client, or nonemployee makes unwanted online sexual contact, comments, or advances.
Virtual sexual harassment can occur between men and women, men and men, and women and women.
Harassers use numerous forms of online mediums to attack others. They may use text messages, emails, online meeting places, social media, and other online tools.
Online sexual harassment creates two types of claims: (1) Quid Pro Quo and (2) Hostile Work Environment.
Almost any form of sexual harassment that occurs in person can occur virtually.
Forms of virtual sexual harassment may include extremely serious violations, such as:
It can also include less serious violations, such as:
Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.
View All TestimonialsDuring the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!
Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.
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It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
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It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!
Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial
Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonial
Empower your voice and take action against sexual harassment in every workplace, community, and home.
Virtual sexual harassment may appear as subtle messages. Other times, it may be painfully obvious and offensive. Some examples of online sexual harassment include:
Federal and state sexual harassment laws protect employees, whether in the physical office or virtually. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits any form of sex discrimination in the workplace. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment.
The law applies to employers with 15 or more employees. It applies whether the employees work under one roof or are scattered at multiple locations. Multiple locations can include a remote workplace.
State laws protect employees from sexual harassment at work, as well. Depending on the state, your company may only need one employee to qualify.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees all sexual harassment claims. Employees can file a charge with the EEOC within 300 days of an event.
If you choose to file a claim in state court, you may have between 180 days and 4 years. Your claim gets filed with the appropriate state agency or directly in state court.
You must file your sexual harassment charge with the EEOC within 300 days of the sexual harassment. Once the EEOC approves your lawsuit, you can file a lawsuit in federal court within 90 days.
State courts offer different statutes of limitations for sexual harassment claims. Some states offer 180 days to file your complaint. Others offer four years or longer, depending on the circumstances. It is best to consult an attorney when filing your claim to ensure you have the correct time limit again.
Sexual harassment claims can last a few months to several years. Some claims settle before a charge ever makes it to the EEOC. These cases can close within 4 to 6 months of contacting an attorney.
However, some claims will go to trial. The trial can take years to settle. Sometimes, these cases may last 10 years or longer.
Sexual harassment, whether in the office or virtual, is never tolerated. Therefore, the courts may offer several financial remedies to help make a person whole again. In addition to financial remedies, courts may offer injunctive relief that prevents a company from encouraging sexual harassment online for any reason.
Sexual harassment can occur online as easily as it occurs in person. Many employees and managers think they cannot get held accountable for online sexual harassment. Today’s technology says otherwise.
If you are the victim of virtual sexual harassment at work, the dedicated and compassionate sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group can help. Call 800.807.2209 for your free consultation.
Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.
Take action against harassment now. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way.