When someone experiences sexual harassment at work, they may be unsure of how to deal with what has happened. However, some victims are not even aware that sexual harassment has taken place. As a result, it is essential for people in Fort Lauderdale and across the state of Florida to recognize and address this mistreatment whenever it occurs.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides a useful overview of sexual harassment and lists a number of examples on their website. Before filing a lawsuit, it is important to understand what constitutes sexual harassment and assess every incident on an individual basis. Examples of unlawful sexual harassment include physical or verbal attacks that are sexual in nature, unwanted sexual advances and undesired sexual requests. Furthermore, illegal harassment is not always sexual. In some cases, people violate employment regulations by making rude comments pertaining to someone’s gender.
In some cases, harassment may not be unlawful. For example, a single offhand comment that is not very significant may not constitute sexual harassment. However, harassment is illegal when it occurs regularly or is very serious and results in a negative employment decision (wrongful discharge, demotion, etc.). Additionally, while an employee may be unlawfully harassed by an employer or manager, people may also be victims of illegal sexual harassment when they are harassed by a co-worker, customer or client.
Please keep in mind that this information is only intended to help people develop a better understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment and is not to be taken as legal advice.