What is Considered “Inappropriate Touching” in the Workplace in California?

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms. From quid pro quo harassment to basic inappropriate touching, several different behaviors can be considered forms of sexual harassment by the one who is being harassed. If you have been touched inappropriately in the workplace, it’s understandable to want to get some sort of justice. However, you may have to wonder, “What is considered ‘inappropriate touching’ in the workplace in California?”

When you are dealing with a sexual harassment case, you are going to want experienced legal help in building your case and establishing grounds for your claim. Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA understands the kind of legal representation you are going to need. Our attorneys can succeed in holding your employer accountable for their involvement in your sexual harassment situation. It begins with figuring out the exact way in which you have been sexually harassed.

What Is Considered “Inappropriate Touching” in the Workplace in California?

When defining sexual harassment in the workplace, it is entirely up to the victim to determine what’s inappropriate. Any touching that makes the victim feel uncomfortable, unsafe, intimidated, or threatened can be considered inappropriate touching. Everybody’s threshold for inappropriate touching is different. What you may consider totally acceptable, somebody else may see as a blatant violation of their personal space.

You should always be careful how you touch somebody in public, especially somebody who does not consider you a friend or close confidant. The worst-case scenario could involve a sexual harassment claim and a potential criminal record. Here are some examples of workplace touching that could be considered inappropriate by people if you cross their boundaries:

Sexual Touching

Arguably, the most uncomfortable form of inappropriate touching in the workplace is sexual touching. Sexual touching is any contact that is sexual in nature and nonconsensual. It’s fairly obvious to know when someone is sexually touching you. Any sort of groping, petting, leaning, or rubbing certain body parts against someone can be considered sexual harassment. This could lead to serious legal penalties.

Physical Assault

Physical assault is any sort of touching that causes harm or is intended to cause harm. Unfortunately, physical assault does happen in the workplace. Punching, kicking, slapping, headbutting, biting, and assault with a deadly weapon can all result in criminal charges in most cases.

Unwelcome Physical Touching

Not all forms of inappropriate touching have to be sexual or dangerous. Sometimes, it can be a blatant violation of your boundaries that simply makes you uncomfortable. If someone is touching you, hugging you, or trying to kiss you without your permission, and it makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you have every right to report the behavior. Your employer should take it seriously.

The Impact of Inappropriate Touching

According to information gathered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there were nearly 1,500 reported incidents of workplace discrimination directly motivated by sex throughout California in 2024. That includes incidents related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual harassment cases. In that same year, there were almost 2,600 cases of workplace retaliation throughout the state.

Being a victim of sexual harassment or another form of inappropriate touching can be overwhelming to one’s mental health. If you are struggling with such a situation, you may want to consider reaching out to a local support group, such as NAMI California or CalHOPE. It can be greatly beneficial to speak to someone about your situation, especially among people who may be going through something similar.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered Inappropriate Touching at Work?

A: In the workplace, any sort of touching that makes the victim feel unsafe, uncomfortable, threatened, or intimidated can be considered inappropriate. Everybody has a different definition of inappropriate. What may be perfectly acceptable for one person may be a serious boundary for somebody else. If somebody touches you in a way that makes you feel wrong or unsafe, it is important that you report that behavior to the proper people.

Q: What Constitutes Inappropriate Touching?

A: Inappropriate touching is any unwanted or unwelcome physical contact that makes the victim feel uncomfortable or violated. Everybody has a different threshold for what they consider inappropriate. Often, you should just exercise common sense and not intimately touch somebody you don’t know or aren’t well acquainted with, especially in the workplace. If somebody touches you in a way you feel is inappropriate, it’s not unreasonable to report it to a lawyer or the authorities.

Q: Can You Get Fired for Inappropriate Touching?

A: Yes, it is possible for you to get fired for inappropriate touching in the workplace. Inappropriate touching can be the beginning of a hostile work environment, which can then lead to disciplinary action and subsequent termination. California is an at-will employment state, which means you can be fired without cause as long as it’s not for an illegal reason. It’s not uncommon to lose your job for inappropriate touching.

Q: Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer for a Sexual Harassment Case?

A: Yes, you should hire an employment lawyer to help you with a sexual harassment case. Being sexually harassed can be one of the most overwhelming and terrifying incidents of your life. You may not be mentally or emotionally prepared to handle your case on your own without legal help. An employment lawyer can represent you throughout your case. They know how to hold the right people accountable for everything you’ve been through.

Reach Out to an Employment Lawyer Today

If you are touched inappropriately at work, it is not an unreasonable reaction to want to hold your harasser responsible for what they’ve done to you. Remember, it is entirely up to you to determine what you consider to be inappropriate when being touched in the workplace. If you feel unsafe, you should report that behavior immediately. If your employer does nothing about it, you should consider reaching out to an employment lawyer for help.

Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA understands how difficult it can be to fight against your own employer in a sexual harassment case. We can build a strong case, gather the evidence your case needs, and make sure your interests are protected. Contact us to speak to someone about your case and how we can help.