Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work EnvironmentsSexual harassment is a serious issue that can affect anyone, anywhere.
Sexual harassment has no place in the workplace and affects everyone from all walks of life. Victims of sexual harassment often suffer psychological harm such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Can Help You Get Your Life Back on Track If you've been sexually harassed at work or have experienced a hostile work environment based on your gender identity or sex characteristics, it's important to know that you do not have to endure this abuse. The Howley Law Firm will stand up for your rights by investigating your claim and pursuing legal action against your employer if necessary. Call us today at 212-601-2728 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. What Will Our Attorneys Do For You? We understand how difficult it can be to confront an employer about sexual harassment at work or file a lawsuit after experiencing unwelcome advances from Sexual harassment is a serious problem that affects millions of people each year. Sexual harassment can take many forms, including sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It also includes offensive remarks about a person’s sex or gender-based stereotypes. Harassment becomes unlawful when it creates a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). A single comment or incident alone generally does not constitute illegal harassment under federal law; however, repeated incidents can create such an environment if they are sufficiently severe. In addition to creating a hostile work environment, this type of behavior may be illegal if it results in an adverse employment action against the victim (for example, termination from employment). Sexual harassment is a serious problem in the workplace. Victims of sexual harassment often experience severe emotional distress, depression and anxiety. Sexual Harassment Statistics: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that approximately 85% of individuals who experienced harassment did not report it to their employers or file a lawsuit against their employer. The EEOC also reports that women represent two-thirds of all sexual harassment claims filed with federal agencies and state fair employment practices agencies. Additionally, according to the U.S Department of Justice, about 25% of female workers have been sexually harassed at work by a supervisor or co-worker while working for private companies and government agencies across the country from 2005 to 2012 . In 2015 alone, more than 686,000 sexual assault incidents were reported by employees in private industry workplaces nationwide--that's roughly 20 incidents per hour! In addition to these shocking statistics on how widespread this type of abuse is among American workers today, there are many other reasons why you You have the right to be free from sexual harassment. You also have the right to work in an environment that is free from hostility based on your sex, age, race, religion, national origin, gender, or gender identity. When you are denied these rights, The Howley Law Firm will take action to hold your employer accountable and get you the compensation your deserve. |
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors and actions:
Other unwelcome or offensive behavior directed at you because of your sex.
It is a common misconception that sexual harassment must be sexual in nature. Behavior directed at you because of your sex is considered sexual harassment even if there is no sexual intent. For example, a supervisor who treats an employee differently because they do not conform to expectations for stereotypically masculine or feminine behavior is engaging in sexual harassment, even though there is no sexually-based intent behind the supervisor’s actions. Men, women, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals all experience sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Sexually offensive comments
- Inappropriate touching
- Stroking or massaging oneself sexually while around another person
- Spreading rumors about a person’s sexuality
Other unwelcome or offensive behavior directed at you because of your sex.
It is a common misconception that sexual harassment must be sexual in nature. Behavior directed at you because of your sex is considered sexual harassment even if there is no sexual intent. For example, a supervisor who treats an employee differently because they do not conform to expectations for stereotypically masculine or feminine behavior is engaging in sexual harassment, even though there is no sexually-based intent behind the supervisor’s actions. Men, women, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals all experience sexual harassment in the workplace.
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment is one where you are being exposed to inappropriate and offensive behavior based on your age, race, religion, national origin, gender, or gender identity. This could include:
- Jokes or degrading language
- Comments about your activities, appearance, or relationships
- Inappropriate leering or staring
- Unwanted physical contact such as hugging, rubbing, touching, patting, pinching, or massaging
- Sabotaging or interfering with your work-related tasks
- Sending or displaying images or text messages related to your age, race, religion, national origin, gender, or gender identity
What Should I Do If I Experience Sexual Harassment or a Hostile Work Environment?
Whenever you have concerns about behavior in the workplace, your first course of action should be to discuss the issue with your supervisor. File a formal complaint and keep a copy for your records. Most companies have procedures in place to deal with allegations of sexual harassment or a hostile work environment.
If the person who is mistreating you is a coworker, client, customer, or contractor, your employer can only be held legally liable if they knew about the harassment and did not take corrective action. If the person mistreating you is your supervisor, your employer can be held liable even if senior management staff did not know about the misconduct.
If the issue is not dealt with to your satisfaction, you should contact an employment lawyer to discuss taking legal action. If you have experienced sexual harassment or a hostile work environment, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your lost earnings, denial of a promotion, raise or educational opportunity; emotional distress; and punitive damages. You may also be entitled to receive an injunction or court order protecting you from future harassment and retaliation.
If the person who is mistreating you is a coworker, client, customer, or contractor, your employer can only be held legally liable if they knew about the harassment and did not take corrective action. If the person mistreating you is your supervisor, your employer can be held liable even if senior management staff did not know about the misconduct.
If the issue is not dealt with to your satisfaction, you should contact an employment lawyer to discuss taking legal action. If you have experienced sexual harassment or a hostile work environment, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your lost earnings, denial of a promotion, raise or educational opportunity; emotional distress; and punitive damages. You may also be entitled to receive an injunction or court order protecting you from future harassment and retaliation.
How Can The Howley Law Firm Help?
At The Howley Law Firm, we are committed to helping New York employees who’ve experienced sexual harassment or a hostile work environment hold their employers accountable under state and federal law. We serve clients throughout New York, including those who live and work in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, and Nassau County.
Being worried about the cost of legal representation is understandable, especially if you fear retaliation from your current employer. However, The Howley Law Firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost associated with protecting your legal rights as an individual or pursuing a class action claim.
Contact us to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. We also encourage you to download our free e-book, Fight Back Against Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environments, to learn about your rights as an employee in New York.
Being worried about the cost of legal representation is understandable, especially if you fear retaliation from your current employer. However, The Howley Law Firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost associated with protecting your legal rights as an individual or pursuing a class action claim.
Contact us to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. We also encourage you to download our free e-book, Fight Back Against Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environments, to learn about your rights as an employee in New York.
