Sacramento Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sacramento Sexual Harassment Attorney

If you’ve been subject to sexual harassment at work in Sacramento, a dedicated Sacramento sexual harassment lawyer from Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA can assist you with exercising your rights under both California and federal law. Whether your harassment was from a coworker, manager, or even a client, you are entitled to legal protection and action. All employees in Sacramento have the right to work in a setting free of hostility and intimidation.

Local Safety Concerns in Sacramento County

As the capital of California, safety statistics show that there are serious concerns to be had about women’s well-being in the area. According to data from the California Women’s Well-Being Index, Sacramento County ranks 26th overall and 35th when it comes to safety. This means that only 84.8% of women feel safe in their neighborhoods most or all of the time.

A notable extension of these statistics is workplace safety, as women who do not feel safe in their neighborhoods are commonly dealing with comparable vulnerabilities on the job – particularly when instances of harassment or intimidation continue to be ignored and underreported.

Sexual Assault Rates in Sacramento County

When it comes to sexual violence, Sacramento also ranks low on the list, averaging 54 sexual assaults per 100,000 females each year – indicative of more than just random street crimes. Such rates commonly include incidents that are linked to employment, such as harassment at offices, workplaces, and job sites.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is an illegal form of discrimination that, when left unaddressed, can contribute to a larger culture of both inequality and fear.

What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment in California?

Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act—and in accordance with California sexual harassment laws – instances of sexual harassment include any conduct based on gender identity, sex, gender expression, or sexual orientation that is unwelcome or pervasive in nature. Examples include unwanted touching or sexual advances, sexually-charged jokes or comments, repeating propositions of a romantic nature, and sharing or displaying offensive materials or images.

Sexual harassment can either be quid pro quo, meaning sexual “favors” are elicited in exchange for favorable treatment, such as a promotion, or consist of various, persistent, and unwanted behaviors that disrupt an individual’s ability to do their job adequately.

Your Employer’s Legal Responsibilities

All employers in California – regardless of the size of the company – are required to take proactive steps to ensure that any incidents of harassment are adequately prevented and addressed. This means that they are required to provide all employees with regular anti-harassment training, keep up-to-date harassment policies that are amply distributed, offer various confidential pathways for reporting, and investigate all claims swiftly and effectively.

If your employer does not uphold these mandates under the law, and you experience retaliation or harassment, they could be held accountable for negligence under the law – even if they were not your harasser.

Legal Options for Sacramento Harassment Victims

If you’ve fallen victim to sexual harassment in San Francisco, you can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department within three years of the last date you experienced harassment. If the card gives you a Right-To-Sue notice, this means that you could pursue civil litigation to get compensation for lost wages, emotional distress recovery, and push for systemic policy reform within your company.

In regions like Sacramento, which have high rates of sexual assault and low neighborhood safety rankings, it’s crucial for victims to have the empowerment they need to take legal action. You are provided certain legal protections under the law and do not have to face harassment alone. Our experienced skilled legal team at Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA is eager to support you.

FAQs

What Counts as Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in California?

Sexual harassment in the workplace in California can take many different forms, but generally includes any type of behavior of a sexual nature that is unwelcome. Examples include touching, sexual advances, jokes, or comments that interfere with an employee’s ability to do their job or that create a hostile work environment. Instances of sexual harassment can happen between supervisors, coworkers, and even clients and third parties.

How Do I Know if I’m Experiencing Sexual Harassment at Work?

You can know if you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work by looking for signs like inappropriate comments, touching, pressuring, or creating a hostile environment in a sexual manner. Even if you were not the direct target of sexual harassment behavior, you could still have a legal claim if the actions led to an unsafe or uncomfortable workplace. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, California law protects all employees from sexual harassment.

Can I Sue My Employer for Sexual Harassment in California?

Yes, you can sue your employer for sexual harassment in California if they do not adequately take action after learning about the instance of sexual harassment. Furthermore, if they knew about your case and did not do anything, this can also be grounds for legal action. This is because, under California law, employers are legally obligated to both correct and prevent sexual harassment from happening in the workplace.

What’s the Difference Between Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Work Environment Harassment?

The difference between quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment is that quid pro quo harassment happens when a person in power makes a condition for a job benefit or consequence based on sexual acts or favors. On the other hand, a hostile work environment harassment involves a pattern of unwelcome conduct, such as touching, comments, or verbal harassment, that ultimately creates an offensive or intimidating workplace.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Harassment Claim in California?

The amount of time you have to file a sexual harassment claim in California is typically three years from the date the last incident of harassment happened. Claims must be filed with the California Civil Rights Department. After you file, you could receive a Right-to-Sue notice, giving you permission to take your legal claim to the relevant civil court – in your case, likely Sacramento County Superior Court.

Take the First Step Toward Justice – Contact Us Today for a Free, Confidential Case Review

The dedicated team at Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA understands just how difficult it can be to experience sexual harassment in the workplace and is therefore here to support your case. We are eager to apply our decades of combined experience successfully helping sexual harassment survivors across the Golden State to your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you hold your harasser accountable and fight for justice.