Sexual harassment is a major issue that has impacted the lives of many men and women over the past decades. This form of abuse is not limited to crimes conducted by employers. It exists among co-workers and spans into other aspects of life. This may include harassment that occurs due to the presumption that inappropriate behavior is allowed. A sexual harassment attorney helps victims of these crimes by filing a claim against their attacker.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual contact. This is not limited to physical contact. It encompasses any action of a sexual nature that makes the victim feel threatened or violated. This includes verbal forms of harassment as well as more aggravated charges like rape or sexual misconduct.
Fighting Against Retaliation
An attorney representing a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace must take steps to protect the victim. In these cases, retaliation is common place. Once the victim files a formal claim for sexual harassment, the defendant may retaliate by firing them or making it difficult to continue to perform their job duties. In some instances, physical harm or threatening behaviors are possible. It is up to the attorney to make arrangements to protect the victim from these heinous actions.
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment is a form of abuse between a worker and their employer. In these cases, the worker is forced to perform sexually-based actions for their employer under the threat of job loss. They are coerced into these actions through threats that they believe could impact their future negatively. This may include becoming blacklisted in a given industry in which they face difficulties gaining employment in the future. The worker continues to perform these sexual favors and fear for their livelihood if they stop. This is where an attorney can help them the most. Individuals and workers who are victims of sexual harassment are not alone. They are not faceless victims that never find justice; they are individuals that need to seek legal counsel to end their abuse.
