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When it happened, you might not have realized you were a victim. Sexual coercion is a more subtle form of sexual assault which can happen in the workplace or during work events. Often unreported in job environments, sexual coercion refers to manipulating or persuading another person to engage in sexual behavior, often against their will. In some instances, sexual coercion is not just illegal sexual harassment — it is also criminal conduct punishable by law.
Coercion is a tactic used by perpetrators to intimidate, trick or force an employee into a sexual act. Workplace sexual coercion can occur in complex forms that involve authoritative status, deception, physical power and a range of tools such as showing favoritism, discrimination and denial or provision of rewards. If you have been harassed or assaulted at work in New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Florida contact the sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group.
Our team of experienced sexual harassment attorneys will help you fight back against workplace abuse, and ensure you are properly compensated for your trauma. If you need to file a criminal complaint in addition to pursuing civil damages, we can help make sure correct charges are filed. Our sexual harassment attorneys will handle every step of your EEOC claim or sexual harassment lawsuit.
By definition, sexual coercion is “the act of using pressure by intimidation, alcohol or drugs, or forced to have sexual contact with someone against his or her will.”
Sexual Coercion can be overt or covert which makes it hard to identify. Sexual coercion includes all forms of sexual contact, including intercourse, oral sex, kissing, petting and more.
Abusers use a range of pressure tactics to convince the victim to submit to sexual activity when the victim has already refused. Sexual coercion harassment is unwanted or excessive contact or communication with a person of a sexual nature, to the point where that person feels intimidated, traumatized, tired or afraid.
Coercion involves physical force or spoken sexual threats that restrict another person’s choice or freedom to perform their work responsibilities. Workplace coercion could happen at the job site during working hours, or after-hours at company-sponsored events such as holiday parties. The harasser can be your supervisor or colleague. It could be a one-time occurrence, or the abuse may have taken place over a period of time.
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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.
Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial
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
matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough
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.
Harassment and sexual assault wear many masks. There is no typical abuser or situation. Sexual coercion comes in various forms, including:
Tactics such as blackmail, threatening or using guilt are also forms of coercion. In the workplace, the harasser may threaten to get you fired or demoted if you refuse his or her sexual advances. He or she might threaten to release personal information or damaging information to your supervisors. At an office party, the abuser might try to get you to ingest excessive amounts of alcohol to lower your inhibitions.
In some instances, sexual coercion could constitute rape or another form of sexual assault. Forced sexual contact is subject to punishment in both civil and criminal court. Consult with a sexual harassment lawyer in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia or Miami to learn the full extent of your rights and legal recourse.
Harassment in any form should not be tolerated in the workplace. If you have been teased, taunted and subjected to sexual coercion in your place of work, contact the sexual harassment attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group at 800-807-2209, or fill out a contact form online. We operate on a 100% contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees. You only pay attorneys’ fees if we successfully recover money on your behalf.
Our sexual harassment lawyers serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island and throughout the state of New York. We also represent employee’s sexual harassment cases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
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.