Sexual Harassment Survival Guide
Thursday, July 6, 2017

More than fifty years after Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, too many workers are denied equal opportunity in the workplace and face egregious harassment and retaliation.

For example, nearly 1 out of every 3 women (ages 18-34) experience sexual harassment at work, according to a study. And this study also finds that more than 70% of the women harassed did not report it.

A variety of factors are at play when it comes to explaining the low numbers of victims who report the harassment, but part of the problem is the number of women who are then retaliated against if they do report the harassment.

Recent, high-profile scandals at Uber and other tech companies are potent reminders of the work that remains to be done in eradicating sexual harassment at work.

Why it’s essential to know your legal options

Sexual harassment at work is, unfortunately, an all too common experience for female employees. It is thus vital for you to know your legal options and protections if you’ve endured sexual harassment.

For example, deadlines for filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) about the sexual harassment apply, which might prevent you from filing a claim if missed. And your company may have policies about how to internally report harassment and discrimination.

Likewise, your employer has varying defenses to liability depending on whether the harassment is at the hands of a supervisor or a co-worker/subordinate employee.

Finally, there are different federal, state, and local laws that may apply to your particular harassment claim.

New “plain English” answers about sex harassment published

Employees who are faced with sexual harassment or retaliation at work must answer common questions about sexual harassment, including:

  • Must the harassment come from my supervisor?
  • What defenses may my employer use against my sexual harassment claim?
  • What is the deadline for filing a sexual harassment complaint?
  • How do I prove my workplace is a “hostile work environment”?
  • What damages and remedies are available to victims of sexual harassment?

Click here to download a copy of the Sexual Harassment Survival Guide for Employees.

 

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