California Sexual Harassment Lawyer

What Acts Are Considered Sexual Harassment?

When you need to report sexual harassment, it’s vital to understand the different acts that the law may consider sexual harassment. In some situations, you may not even realize that you’ve experienced sexual harassment because it seems as though the action is innocent in context. However, there are many different acts that can be considered sexual harassment, and you are allowed to report the incident if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Below, we’ll talk about some of the most common acts considered sexual harassment, how they occur, and why it’s so important for you to take action after it occurs:

• Unwanted advances: When your place of work is interrupted by an employer or co-worker who is constantly attempting to cross the intimate threshold, it can be difficult to endure. Unwanted advances can arise should someone repeatedly compliment you on your appearance and ask for a date or sexual interaction despite you declining. 
• Inappropriate touching: So many people feel they do nothing wrong when they touch someone, even if it’s on the arm or shoulder. However, a touch can be considered inappropriate any time it makes you feel uncomfortable, even if it’s just the other person trying to be comforting. Constant inappropriate touching should not be tolerated.
• Sexist comments: Sexist comments can include co-workers talking to each other with you not even part of the conversation. Typically, sexist comments arise when someone makes a claim or statement that could be considered derogatory or offensive to you about your gender.
• Offensive jokes: Some individuals in the workplace feel they can talk to others and make offensive or sexual jokes. If you are in the area while a conversation like this is taking place, and it makes you uncomfortable, it can be considered sexual harassment. Offensive jokes have no place in the workplace, even if others feel as though there’s nothing wrong with it. 
• Asking private questions: Your private life is no concern of anyone else, and when your co-workers or employer asks questions about your sex life, it is considered sexual harassment. They’re trying to get information they don’t need, and it often leads to even more inappropriate and uncomfortable conversations.
• Sexually suggestive comments, gifts, or questions: If your co-worker or employer makes a comment (such as a compliment on your clothing), gives you a gift, or asks you a question with sexual intent, it can be considered sexual harassment. You should recognize how to respond to inform the other person when you’re uncomfortable, and you can take action.
• Sharing photos or rumors: While interoffice relationships can be difficult to deal with in the first place, if someone else shares sexually suggestive photos of you or rumors about your private life, it can make the workplace devastating to experience. 
• Using a power of position for sexual favors: One of the most difficult situations you may experience is an employer or supervisor who attempts to use his or her power in order to request sexual favors. One of these individuals may threaten to fire you if you don’t perform a sexual act. Another type of sexual harassment in this regard is promising advancements or opportunities in exchange for sexual favors. 

Our Los Angeles workplace sexual harassment lawyers can help you identify any problems, and protect you in the aftermath of a report. We’ll protect you from sex discrimination and other problems that may arise.