Can You Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment prevention efforts can help empower individuals and organizations to create safer and more inclusive workplaces. 

Sexual harassment in the workplace is inappropriate, disruptive, and can often lead to serious harm. Those who have been affected by it understand the devastating consequences it can have. Despite increased awareness and legal protections, sexual harassment in the workplace remains a persistent and distressing issue that affects employees. 

Many people are hesitant to file workplace sexual harassment lawsuits. They may even be afraid to report sexual harassment out of fear of retaliation from their employers. Workplace sexual harassment lawsuits help hold responsible parties accountable and help create safer communities and work environments. 

‍It is important to note that retaliation against those who report sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. You have the right to seek meaningful justice for yourself and for those around you. 

The attorneys at Levin Simes recognize the importance of protecting employees and workers from unwanted sexual advances and other types of sexual harassment. Our compassionate team understands that these cases can be both legally and emotionally complicated. We have years of experience in helping those who have experienced sexual harassment seek the justice they deserve.  

Contact the Levin Simes team online or by calling our office at (415) 426-3000. We are standing by to listen to you, answer your questions, and help you take the first step in the legal process.

How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The first step in the prevention of sexual harassment is to understand what it is and how it can negatively affect individuals. Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace is a legal obligation. It is also necessary to help foster a safe, respectful, and productive work environment. Employers should take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment. 

There are several ways to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers can help prevent sexual harassment in the workplace by: 

• Adopting clear anti-harassment policies
• Providing regular training
• Promptly investigating complaints
• Taking appropriate corrective action when necessary 

Again, it is important to note that it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment. Retaliation in the workplace may include negative performance reviews, unwarranted disciplinary action, or even termination. These are all illegal actions. Contact a lawyer if you believe your employer has retaliated against you. 

If you have experienced sexual harassment and are unsure of what to do next, contact a sexual harassment organization like RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network). These organizations can help you connect with the support and help you need to fully heal before pursuing a lawsuit.

Once you are ready, a caring and compassionate sexual harassment attorney can help you file a lawsuit for financial compensation. Read on to learn more about sexual harassment lawsuits. 

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers should have a written policy that clearly defines sexual harassment, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and outlines the procedures for reporting and addressing complaints.

Sexual harassment in the workplace refers to a specific type of unwelcome behavior in the workplace. This can include sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can happen in many different scenarios, including after-hours conversations. 

Behavior like this creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment may also include inappropriate comments, gestures, jokes, or touching. It can also involve any other behavior that makes an individual feel uncomfortable or threatened based on their sex or gender. All employees deserve to feel safe and protected in their work environment. 

Compensation Available in Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawsuits

In workplace sexual harassment cases, various forms of compensation can be awarded to the individual who has experienced the harassment. Financial compensation in a sexual harassment lawsuit is intended to make up for the losses the individual may have experienced because of the harassment. 

Financial compensation in sexual harassment cases may include: 

• Lost wages, back pay, and other loss of income: Sexual harassment can disrupt your work and may even lead to demotion, termination, or loss of employment. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and benefits resulting from the harassment. 
• Medical expenses: In some instances, those who have experienced sexual harassment may need to seek medical treatment. A lawsuit can help you recover for any necessary hospital stays, medications, or therapies needed to heal. 
• Pain and suffering: Sexual harassment can be traumatic. Pain and suffering compensation is intended to help you recover financially for your emotional distress. You may also be able to recover for your loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological injuries that resulted from the harassment.
• Punitive awards: Where an employer's conduct is reckless or where there is evidence of intent to cause the harassment, punitive awards may be pursued.

Compensation awarded in a workplace sexual harassment case will depend on the facts of the case and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the case is litigated. Some states may have statutory caps on the amount of compensation that can be awarded in employment discrimination cases, including those involving sexual harassment.

If you are considering pursuing legal action against an employer for sexual harassment in the workplace, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney. A sexual harassment attorney can evaluate your case and calculate the proper amount of financial compensation you are owed. Sexual harassment cases can become emotional due to the nature of the case. Being able to trust your case to a legal professional allows you to focus on healing. 

Contact a Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

Sexual harassment at work can be devastating. You are entitled to a safe work environment free from unwanted sexual harassment, sexual advances, and inappropriate jokes. When sexual harassment occurs, you may feel embarrassed,  afraid, and unsure of what to do or who to contact for help. 

The sexual harassment attorneys at Levin Simes are not afraid to stand up to corporations or employers for individual rights. We have pursued and won many cases for those who have been mistreated in the workplace. Contact our team online or by calling (415) 426-3000 for more information. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.