Sexual harassment unfortunately plagues workplaces all across the United States. No matter the context or reason, sexual harassment is consistently wrong. If you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment, you deserve justice, and we can help you get it.
First, let’s take a look at what sexual harassment looks like in the workplace, as well as what you should do if you find yourself in this situation involving harassment in the office.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is simply the act of sexual advances when they are unwanted by the other individual. There are many different ways sexual harassment can show itself, including:
- Expectations, requests, or demands, of sexual favor in trade for employment
- Sexual favors being expected, requested, or demanded in trade for privileges, raises, or promotions
- Unwanted or unwelcome physical contact including: touching, patting, brushing against, hugging, pinching, or kissing
- Unwanted sexual jokes, innuendos or inappropriate comments
- Threats, intimidation or other hostility after rejecting the sexual favors
- Allowing sexual behavior to be ongoing in the workplace
What to do if You’re Harassed
If you find yourself in a situation where you are being sexually harassed, there are several options you have as far as your next behavior. First, you should be aware of your employer’s procedures for sexual harassment. This will allow you to know what your limitations are for seeking retribution or for following protocol with HR. Observing the office culture, being aware of diversity, and stopping sexual harassment when spotted are also helpful actions that can be taken. Even if you are not the subject of sexual harassment in your work, you want to make sure you are not encouraging it in any way.
When the sexual harassment is taking place, be assertive to your harasser. Confront the offender and let them know their behavior is unwanted and rejected. Then, you should move up the chain and speak to a supervisor about the harassment you are experiencing. This can be done in writing and by following your company’s procedures for filing these types of complaints. When discussing the harassment with your company leaders or harassment offenders, you should use specific language to describe how the behavior is negatively affecting your workplace practices and how it is hindering your ability to perform your office role. Always make sure you are airing your grievances and letting them know their behavior needs to come to an end.
Arizona’s Best Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace and feel that you have not received the justice you deserve, give us a call. We understand that company protocol is sometimes not enough and that harassment can continue without being taken care of properly.
English 
Spanish