Sexual Harassment: An Overview

Sexual Harassment is a serious violation of an employee's rights and is protected under federal and state law. Although the perpetrator may consider his or her behavior harmless or even funny, the victim of sexual harassment is often demeaned and humiliated. Consulting an experienced employment lawyer can help you protect yourself and understand your rights under the law.

Sexual Harassment is Discrimination

Sexual Harassment can be perpetrated by a superior or co-worker. When the harassment comes from a superior it often takes the form of promising work-related benefits in exchange for sexual favors. All forms of sexual harassment are prohibited by federal law and many states also protect workers under state anti-discrimination laws.

Sexual harassment can be very harmful to the victim. That harm can take the form of reduced self-esteem or stress to the victim caused by a belief that they are somehow responsible for the perpetrators behavior. The victim may also suffer financial hardship if he or she is denied a raise or promotion for failing to succumb to the demands of the harasser.

Victims' Rights

As the victim of sexual harassment you have the power to make it stop. You can report the abuse to your employer. If you do not get results from your employer after making a complaint you can file a claim with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state agency charged with handling such claims, usually a human rights or civil rights agency. An experienced employment lawyer can help guide you through this process and help you obtain the relief to which you are legally entitled.

If you are concerned about retaliation from your employer, you are protected by federal law which prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee who files a claim of sexual harassment.

Our employment discrimination attorneys know all the applicable laws—those related to employment discrimination and those covered by other legislation. Contact a knowledgeable employment discrimination lawyer at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, to discuss filing an employment discrimination claim.