Norwalk Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Sexual harassment in the workplace is becoming one of the most prevalent issues in Norwalk. Victims of this behavior suffer from fear, shame, and embarrassment and often, they dread going to work every day. There are many different types of workplace sexual harassment, and it is sometimes difficult for victims to come forward. However, it is imperative that they do.
Reporting sexual harassment, and perhaps even taking legal action, can stop the behavior from occurring and ensure that no one else becomes a victim of it. If your employer or someone else in the workplace has harassed you, call our Norwalk sexual harassment lawyers today.
What is Sexual Harassment?
In its most basic terms, sexual harassment occurs when one person, usually someone in a position of authority such as an employer, makes unwelcome sexual advances. These advances can be physical, verbal, or even electronic. For example, your boss may say inappropriate things to you, or send you an inappropriate tweet or text.
Sexual harassment may or may not involve threats to your employment position. For example, your boss may ask you for a date and if you turn them down, they may threaten you with termination. This is a classic form of sexual harassment. Or, your boss may offer you a promotion or pay raise if you agree to the date. In both of these instances, the sexual harassment is known as quid pro quo, a Latin phrase that means what for what.
The other type of sexual harassment is that which creates a hostile work environment. To create a hostile work environment, the behavior must be ongoing and not just a one-time occurrence. For example, if an employer repeatedly touched an employee inappropriately and without their consent, that would likely create a hostile work environment.
The Law on Sexual Harassment
Both federal and state laws touch on sexual harassment in the workplace. The federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, does not specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. However, it does prohibit discrimination based on sex, national origin, color, religion, and race. This law considers sexual harassment a type of discrimination and makes it illegal for employers to make unwelcome sexual advances either physically, verbally, or electronically.
State law, on the other hand, does specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. Under C.G.S. Section 46a-60(8), sexual harassment is defined as the solicitation of sexual favors or unwelcome sexual advances that arise from a situation in which your employment position is dependent on your compliance with those advances or requests. Like federal law, unwelcome sexual behavior that creates a hostile work environment is also illegal.
What to Do After Sexual Harassment
After being subjected to sexual harassment, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your supervisor or employer. However, the steps you take following the behavior are critical to any lawsuit or complaint you file. The most important steps to take if you have been the victim of sexual harassment are as follows:
- Document the harassing behavior: When filing a lawsuit or complaint, you will have to prove the sexual harassment occurred. To help with this, you should keep any and all documentation you have that proves the behavior. For example, if your boss sent you inappropriate texts, you should not delete them, as they can serve as important evidence in your case.
- Report the sexual harassment: If your employer has a specific protocol for reporting sexual harassment, you should follow all steps outlined in your employee handbook or other employment documentation. Not only will this leave a paper trail and document the complaint, but it will also prohibit your employer from using the argument that you did not follow proper procedure.
- Call a Norwalk sexual harassment lawyer: You may be able to file a lawsuit directly against your employer, or you may have to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). A lawyer will inform you of your rights, advise you of the appropriate route to take, and guide you through the entire process to give you the best chance of success.
Our Norwalk Sexual Harassment Lawyers Can Prove Your Case
If you feel as though you have been subjected to harassment at work, our skilled Norwalk sexual harassment lawyers at Carey & Associates, P.C. can advise you of your legal options. We understand that all employees in Norwalk have rights, and we will ensure yours are upheld while holding your employer accountable. Call us today at (203) 255-4150 to speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Practice Areas
- Employment Counseling
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Disability Discrimination
- Age Discrimination
- Severance Negotiations
- Sexual Harassment & Gender Discrimination
- Connecticut Executive Compensation Lawyers
- Racial Discrimination
- Wage and Overtime Claims
- Sexual Orientation and Transgender (LGBTQ)
- Whistleblower Protection
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Pension and Disability Benefits Litigation
- Employment Defamation
- Religious Discrimination
- Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation Agreements
- Wrongful Termination
- Retaliation Discrimination
Client Testimonials
Mark and his team at Carey & Associates are incredibly knowledgeable about Employment Law and have walked me through every step of the way. Their approach and guidance has been extremely effective in dealing with my case. They instill a sense of confidence by laying out the facts, caselaw, and risk assessment to help make well informed decisions. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an Employment Attorney.
J.K.
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