Sexual harassment continues to be covered in the news and, unfortunately, is a reality for many people in the workplace. Although sexual harassment is broadly considered to be any unwelcome conduct of a “sexual nature,” it is actually a form of gender discrimination that doesn’t necessarily have to be “lewd” or “graphic” in nature.
For example, “quid-pro-quo” sexual harassment literally means “this for that,” and involves the most well-known type of sexual harassment where job benefits are conditioned upon the employee’s submission to a romantic or sexual relationship or related conduct. Whereas, Hostile work environment sexual harassment involves a broader spectrum of conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, offensive, oppressive or abusive work environment because of the person’s protected status as woman (or a man).
This means that sexually lewd or offensive words or conduct can be sexual harassment. But it also means offensive language based upon chauvinistic or gender stereotypes can also be sexual harassment, even though the perpetrator never had any intent of a sexual relationship. These protections extend to individuals who weren’t personally subjected to the harassing conduct, but witnessed the offensive conduct in the immediate work environment.
Another type of sexual harassment is called “paramour preference” harassment, and involves situations where a supervisor gives tangible and economically valuable job benefits to another employee that is also his/her romantic or sexual partner (i.e., the “paramour”). Not being the boss’ sexual partner shouldn’t deprive you of tangible economic job benefits and can be the basis of a claim for sexual harassment.
Chackel Law is experienced in successfully prosecuting all types of sexual harassment claims. Chackel Law knows that many employers will go to great lengths to cover it up, even threatening existing employees if they speak up. Chackel Law has the knowledge and ability to fight through and aggressively protect your rights and guide you through the complex issues that confront victims of sexual harassment.
Contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation.
