San Francisco Sexual Harassment Lawyer

San Francisco Sexual Harassment Attorney

Whether you are jumpstarting your professional career in San Francisco or are well underway as a senior employee, the stakes are high, and you should not have to put up with any kind of sexual harassment on top of it. Therefore, if you are dealing with a hostile work environment or have been subject to inappropriate touching, verbal harassment in the workplace, an experienced San Francisco sexual harassment lawyer from Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA is eager to support you.

At Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, our dedicated team of sexual harassment lawyers has decades of combined experience successfully helping San Francisco workers exercise their rights under California’s strong protections. We have a commitment to standing with survivors in some of the country’s most complex and dynamic work environments.

A Closer Look at Safety for Women in San Francisco

Although San Francisco is known for having a progressive reputation, it is unfortunately not immune to harassment and violence against women. According to the California Women’s Well-Being Index, San Francisco County has a safety score of 70.4, ranking 37th out of 58 counties. Furthermore, only 81.2% of women in San Francisco feel safe in their neighborhood most or all of the time – placing them at a rank of 56 across the state.

When it comes to gender-based violence, the city is also seeing higher-than-average rates. From the years 2018 to 2022, 68 women per 100,000 experienced sexual assault per year, and 800 domestic violence-related calls for help were made per 100,000 women. Furthermore, there were 251 hospital visits linked to assault that occurred each year per 100,000 women.

These figures show that instances of violence based on gender or even other attributes like sexual orientation are not just isolated incidents but rather they reveal systemic problems linked to accountability, access, and power. Harassment goes unseen and unreported in many workplaces, especially when the perpetrators are in positions of power.

What Workplace Sexual Harassment Looks Like

Under California law, workplace sexual harassment is defined broadly to protect employees working across a variety of industries, from financial advising to restaurants and hospitality. The dedicated legal team at Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA has seen sexual harassment manifest itself in a variety of ways, including the following examples:

• Inappropriate remarks regarding someone’s appearance or gender
• Repeated, loud jokes or comments
• Requesting a date over and over after already having been declined
• Unwanted or unnecessary proximity or physical contact
• Bribes or threats linked to benefits for a job and sexual behavior

Regardless of whether the instance of harassment is clear or subtle, persistent or a one-time incident, it is against the law if it impacts your ability to do your job or makes a workplace hostile or intimidating.

Taking a Stand in San Francisco

In a city like San Francisco, which is driven by visibility, equity, and innovation, it is imperative for workplaces to live up to these values. Unfortunately, however, the data shows discrepancies between ideals and reality – particularly in women who are trying to navigate complex power structures in finance, tech, hospitality, and more.

A dedicated attorney from Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA is eager to help workers in San Francisco fight for safer, more respectful employment conditions by standing up to harassment.

FAQs

Do I Have to Report Harassment to My Supervisor First?

No, you do not have to report the harassment to your supervisor first. Under California law, employers are required to provide alternative methods for complaints that do not require directly going through your supervisor. You may be able to report the instance to the designated representative, human resources, or potentially through an anonymous hotline. Employers are required to have various reporting channels available.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for Sexual Harassment?

The current compensation you can expect to receive for a sexual harassment case depends on the specific details of your situation. The compensation you may be entitled to includes emotional distress recovery, lost wages, policy changes within the offending company, reinstatement of your job, and, in severe cases, punitive damages. The aim of compensation is to bring justice, balance the situation, and help you feel whole again.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer?

The cost of hiring a sexual harassment lawyer in California is dependent on various factors, including the location of the firm, the complexity of the case, and other specific factors involved. Some attorneys offer their work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’re not required to pay anything unless they win your case for you. In such cases, the financial risk is zero, eliminating any monetary barriers to pursuing justice.

What Should I Do if I’m Being Sexually Harassed at Work?

If you’re facing sexual harassment at work, it’s important to start taking clear documentation of all the incidents that are happening in detail. Be sure to include information like witnesses, location, time, and date. Be sure to securely save any communication linked to the incidents, such as voicemails, emails, or texts. If you feel safe to do so, report workplace harassment through designated complaint channels at your workplace.

You should then work with a skilled sexual harassment attorney.

Can I Still Sue if I Didn’t Report the Harassment Internally First?

Yes, even if you did not report the harassment internally first, you can still file a claim. Reporting a case is helpful but not required, especially if your case involves intimidation or retaliation. Under California law, it is recognized that some victims are not able to internally report in the workplace because of fear of being fired. A dedicated attorney can review your case and help you file a complaint.

Harassed at Work? We Can Fight for Your Rights and Cover the Costs Upfront

Harassment in the workplace can be highly devastating and even isolating. But you do not have to go through this alone. The educated and experienced San Francisco sexual harassment legal team from Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA is here with you each step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can start building up your case, submitting complaints, and, if necessary – pursuing new action on your behalf.