What Qualifies As Sexual Harassment in California?

Sexual harassment can be complicated to define explicitly because it can take so many different forms. Whether you experience harassment from a coworker, supervisor, or client, it’s crucial that you are supported and have resources to enforce your rights and safety.

Sexual harassment doesn’t only include “sexual” acts. Rather, harassment can involve offenses based on sexual and gender identity, race and ethnicity, stereotypes, and more.

Some examples of behavior that may be considered as sexual harassment may include:

Comments and treatment that are teasing, intimidating, or offensive.

Vulgar or explicit joking and conversations. (This may be considered harassment even if it is not aimed directly at you. For example, if a woman hears a group of male coworkers discussing sexually explicit acts within earshot.)

The use of slurs that are directly correlated to gender or sexual orientation.

Unwanted physical contact. (This can include anything from kissing, touching clothing, physically blocking a path, and more.)

Spreading gossip or inappropriately discussing details regarding someone’s sexuality, sexual habits, or personal relationships.

Sharing or displaying messages or images of sexual content.

And more…

If you are experiencing any of the harassment mentioned above, or if you are experiencing other forms of harassment, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at our firm for a complimentary case consultation today.

What Are My Legal Options If I’ve Been Sexually Harassed in Upland, California?

Federal laws prohibit workplace sexual harassment in any business – and California sexual harassment laws protect all workers, including unpaid volunteers, contractors, and more.

It’s important to remember that the state of California recognizes that a victim of sexual harassment can be any person of any gender. So whether you are a man or woman being harassed by a coworker due to your sexuality, or you are gender-nonconforming and facing gender-based harassment, your rights are protected under the law.

Understanding your legal options can be a confusing process on your own, especially since the facts of your case are entirely unique to you. Therefore, the best way to find out your best options moving forward is to speak with an attorney.

Before you contact an attorney, you might take a moment to read the following so that you know your rights…

• Since Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, sexual harassment has been considered illegal at the federal level.
• Title VII is designed to make employers responsible for providing workplace safety, free of sexual discrimination and harassment.
• The law prohibits retaliation for the report of sexual harassment. Retaliation can occur in both obvious and subtle ways (such as not being invited to meetings, etc.), but it is illegal.
• Your employer is legally required to take prompt action when they receive a report of sexual harassment. What’s more, retaliation by your employer for a report of this kind is illegal.

What Happens In A California Sexual Harassment Case?

What Happens In A California Sexual Harassment Case?
Each case is unique, and the steps you will choose to take moving forward will be yours to make. Our Upland, CA firm is here to provide support and information for every client in a way that empowers them to take the action they want. Therefore, our goal is to ensure that you have the resources and fierce legal representation that you need to achieve your ideal case outcome.

Hannemann Law Firm provides expertise in sexual harassment punishment law, so you don’t have to worry about being unnecessarily blindsided by how your case progresses. Instead, we will take the time to go over all of your questions and concerns so that you can feel fully informed and considered at every step of the way.

Wondering How Can A Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help? Get Started Today!

If you are struggling with sexual harassment, don’t hesitate to contact Hannemann Law Firm today. We are standing by, ready to use nearly twenty years of experience to advocate for you.

To schedule your free consultation, you can reach our office in Upland, CA, by calling (909) 833-8999 or visiting our client contact page here. We look forward to speaking with you.