Feeling powerless after being sexually harassed at work?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. But unfortunately, many victims feel like they have no recourse and suffer in silence. Workplace sexual harassment claims filed with the EEOC have one thing in common — 78% of all claims are filed by women.
Don’t let this be you.
Here’s what you need to know.
There’s a problem…
There are too many victims out there who don’t report harassment. They don’t know their legal rights and options. They don’t know how to navigate the legal system to protect themselves. And because of this, the harassment continues.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to be one of those victims. You have legal rights and there are real steps you can take to fight back against harassment at work. Here’s what we’ll cover:
What you’ll discover:
- Your legal rights against sexual harassment in the workplace
- Legal strategies that actually work
- How to document your case and gather evidence
- When it’s time to contact a sexual harassment attorney
Workplace Sexual Harassment: The Shocking Truth
You ready for the eye-opener?
85% of all sexual harassment victims never file a claim. The number one reason why? They don’t think anything will happen. Shockingly, 70% of employees never file an internal complaint with the employer.
Pause for a second and let that sink in.
70% of employees who experience harassment never report it to their employer. Instead, they just keep suffering in silence. Meanwhile, the harassers are free to go on and do it all over again with someone else. It’s a sick cycle.
Fortunately, there’s a better way. By understanding your legal options and taking the right steps, you can end the harassment once and for all.
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including:
- Unwanted sexual advances or comments
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for work-related benefits
- Creating a hostile work environment based on sex
- Retaliation for refusing sexual advances
And here’s the thing that makes it even worse…
Harassment is often subtle. A victim may not even realize they’re being harassed. They think it’s just “how work is these days.” Or that they have to “deal with it” and just get through the day.
Nope.
Sexual harassment is illegal. You have legal rights and you should fight back.
Empowerment through Legal Rights: The Truth About Sexual Harassment
Federal law forbids sexual harassment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. California state law also provides protections to victims.
The law says:
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Full stop. Employers have a legal responsibility to prevent harassment. When they fail, they’re liable.
But it’s more than just knowing your legal rights. You need a proven legal strategy to actually do something about the harassment. Enter experienced sexual harassment lawyers in Los Angeles with real experience. They know federal and state laws. And how to work within the system to get results.
The EEOC is taking a tougher stand on sexual harassment claims. In FY 2023, the agency received over 7,700 sexual harassment charges. The highest level in the last 12 years.
Legal Strategy #1: Document. Everything.
What’s the single most important step you can take right now?
Documentation. Record. Write. It down.
Write down every incident, every time, every witness. Every time you reported it, every response (or lack of response). Write. It. Down.
Include details such as:
- Dates and times of incidents
- Locations where harassment occurred
- Names of witnesses present during incidents
- Exact words used by the harasser
- Any physical evidence (emails, texts, photos, etc.)
Documentation is critical to building a harassment case. Without it, it becomes the victim’s word against the harasser’s. Documenting creates a paper trail that’s hard to dispute.
Pro tip: After every incident, send an email to yourself describing what happened. The time stamp will be nearly impossible to dispute in court.
Legal Strategy #2: Report Harassment Correctly
Something most people get wrong about reporting harassment…
A victim can’t just tell their buddy in HR or co-worker and say, “Hey, I reported it.” Official reporting procedures must be followed.
Your employee handbook should tell you the harassment reporting process. Who to report to, what forms must be completed, investigation procedures, etc.
Here’s the catch…
If your company has no reporting procedures OR the harasser is a supervisor, report it immediately to Human Resources.
Legal Strategy #3: File a Charge with the EEOC
Think you can just trust your employer to do the right thing? Think again.
Filing a charge with the EEOC is an important legal option. A victim typically has 180 days from the last incident to file (300 in some states like California).
The EEOC can:
- Investigate your charge
- Mediate between the victim and employer
- File a lawsuit on behalf of the victim
- Issue a “right to sue” letter
In FY 2023, the EEOC secured $664 million for workers who were harassed at work. That’s a 30% increase over the prior year.
Real money for real victims.
Legal Strategy #4: Preserve All Evidence
Evidence doesn’t last long in the internet age.
Company emails deleted, security video overwritten, witnesses leave jobs.
Act now to preserve:
- Email chains and text messages
- Photographs of offensive materials
- Video footage from cameras
Make copies of everything and store offsite. It could be the difference between winning and losing your case.
Legal Strategy #5: Know Your Retaliation Rights
Don’t want your employer to fire you for reporting harassment?
Federal law makes it illegal. The employer cannot legally:
- Terminate you for reporting harassment
- Demote you or lower your pay
If retaliation occurs, document it too. Retaliation can result in additional damages beyond the original harassment claim.
Know When to Contact a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Some cases you can handle. Others, you need a lawyer.
Contact an attorney immediately if:
- Harassment involved physical contact or assault
- Victim was fired or demoted for reporting harassment
- Employer refused to investigate your complaint
- Harassment was severe and/or pervasive
A qualified attorney will know the law, negotiate with the employer, and get you maximum recovery.
Build Your Support System
Don’t do this alone. Build a support network to lean on.
Include:
- Family and friends you trust
- Therapist or mental health counselor
- Harassment victim support groups
36% of women still experience harassment at work. You’re not alone. There’s a community out there fighting against harassment, alongside you.
Take Action: The Path Forward
Ready to stop suffering in silence?
Take immediate action by:
- Documenting all future incidents
- Reviewing your employer’s harassment policy
- Gathering and preserving any existing evidence
The legal system isn’t perfect, but it works. Laws and agencies are in place to protect you.
Creating Safer Workplaces for All
Every legal action you take creates a ripple effect.
When you take a stand, you protect yourself. But you also make the workplace safer for everyone. Each lawsuit filed, each time an employer changes their policy, we’re one step closer to zero tolerance for harassment.
Companies only change when faced with legal action. They implement better policies and create safer environments when they have to pay.
You Deserve the Results
Sexual harassment is illegal. Period. You have legal rights and there are effective legal strategies you can use to fight back.
Don’t let fear, shame, or lack of information hold you back. The law is on your side and there are people who will help you.
Legal strategies for sexual harassment work best when you act quickly and follow the right steps. From documentation to EEOC filings, you have the power to fight back.
Start today by documenting your experience and exploring your legal options.
