We spend so many hours of the day working at our jobs. The relationships we establish with our coworkers are vital in making our time comfortable and productive, but when we feel uneasy at work, our jobs can feel like a prison. Sexual harassment is a crime and is characterized by any unwanted sexual advances or comments directed to members of the same or opposite sex. Workers have legal recourse to fight back against those who sexually harass others on the job; it is unlawful for employers to allow individuals to continue any abusive behavior. Everyone should have the right to work in an atmosphere that is safe and comfortable for them, contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Orange County to find out the best course of action to legally stop sexual harassment.
Many sexual harassment cases have been in the news lately; the illegal behavior has been brought to light due to the courage of those who are tired of being a victim. Rafael’s Italian Restaurant is one such case that has recently been settled in favor of its female employees who had been subjected to unwanted sexual advances from coworkers. Workers at the Italian restaurant claimed that beginning in 2005, male kitchen staff repeatedly taunted female workers with verbal and physical harassments, the victims complained to management, but the actions did not stop. The lawsuit resulted in a financial award to the female victims and a ruling that the restaurant would have to participate in an annual training program aimed at educating workers what sexual harassment is and how to avoid becoming a victim. A sexual harassment lawyer in Orange County can help determine if you have legal recourse against an individual or company; contact an office for a consultation.
Instances of abuse like those at Rafael’s may be more common than once thought and more and more people are choosing to become vocal about their uncomfortable experiences with sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has seen a steady increase in the number of complaints despite education and a zero tolerance policy against harassment that has been implemented by many companies. Education and frequent training programs prove to be the best method to curb inappropriate behavior; since men and woman may still interpret comments and actions differently, it is vital to establish clear lines of appropriateness to ensure that everyone feels comfortable.
If you feel like someone is sexually harassing you, it is important to let the person know their advances are unwanted, explain your stance and be firm that it will not be tolerated. If this does not end the inappropriateness, tell a supervisor or manager and be specific about encounters and exchanges with your aggressor. Always document instances of sexual misconduct, keep track of dates and exact exchanges, this will be beneficial if need to make a formal complaint about your experiences. If all else fails or you have no other recourse to end the abusive comments or actions, contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Orange County. You do not have to tolerate sexual harassment; you have the right and responsibility to stand up for yourself.