Ventura Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Ventura Sexual Harassment Attorney

In one moment, you are checking your email, making a phone call, or eating lunch in the breakroom, and then, it happens. Whether through an inappropriate gesture, a physical touch, or unwanted sexually charged comments, facing sexual harassment at work is never a welcome experience. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you have legal options, and a Ventura sexual harassment lawyer is here to offer you guidance and support in your case.

At Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, we have over 30 years of experience assisting our clients who face a wide range of employment law violations, including those who have dealt with sexual harassment at work. This harassment can come in many forms, and we are here to offer legal representation to victims, no matter what your case entails.

Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment

Many cases of workplace sexual harassment can go unreported because victims might not realize that the behavior they are being subjected to is sexual harassment. It is vital to understand what constitutes sexual harassment. The most common examples of sexual harassment include the following:

• Making comments of a sexual nature, especially related to the body of a coworker
• Sending sexually explicit or pornographic images to a coworker
• Repeatedly asking a coworker for dates or for sex even after they continue to say no
• Pressuring a subordinate for a date or for the granting of sexual favors
• Suggesting that an individual is worse or better equipped for a work task due to their gender
• Making comments or discussing the sexuality or sexual orientation of a coworker
• Leering
• Stalking
• Creating lewd written communication that is sexually charged
• Indecent exposure in the workplace
• Discussing your sexual exploits in the workplace
• Any unwanted or unwelcome touching or physical conduct

There are two main kinds of sexual harassment that individuals can face in the workplace. These include:

• Quid pro quo. This kind of sexual harassment usually occurs when an individual who is in a position of power over others, such as a boss, employer, manager, or supervisor, requests sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for workplace benefits. These benefits might include a promotion, a raise, a positive performance review, or a desired work schedule. This individual in power might also threaten retaliation if the sexual favors are not granted. Common forms of retaliation can include a demotion, wrongful termination, an unwanted or undesirable work schedule, and an unwarranted negative performance review.
• Hostile work environment. This kind of workplace sexual harassment happens when the harassment becomes so severe and pervasive that you become unable to continue performing the necessary duties of your job. This kind of harassment tends to focus more on the offensive nature of sexual harassment and how it makes the entire workplace as a whole toxic.

If you believe you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment, it is vital that you contact an experienced attorney in Ventura, CA who can help you hold your employer accountable and secure justice and recovery for the treatment you have been made to suffer.

Don’t Ignore Sexual Harassment

Victims of sexual harassment often do not report the harassment as they don’t want to cause any issues or get anyone else in trouble. However, when the situation goes ignored, it can cause the harassment to grow worse. In some cases, the offender can continue to use their position of power to place victims in terrible situations. It is vital to keep in mind that you are legally protected from this harassment, and there are several things you can do:

• Speak with the offender. Depending on your situation, you may be able to speak directly to the individual perpetrating the sexual harassment and request that they stop. In some cases, the individual might not even realize their actions or behaviors are offensive. However, if the individual is dangerous, you may not wish to speak with them directly.
• Document everything. It can be important to document everything regarding the harassment, including the times, dates, and locations of when the incidents take place. You should also keep track of any emails, text messages, voice messages, or social media messages that can demonstrate the extent and severity of the harassment.
• Filing a complaint. You can reach out to your employer and file a complaint with your company’s HR department. If your employer fails to address the harassment, you can file a complaint with a local government agency.

FAQs

How Long Does a Sexual Harassment Case Take?

It can be difficult to prove just how long a sexual harassment case might take as these cases come with various factors that can impact the overall timeframe of a case. These factors can include the complexity of your case, the availability of evidence, and the cooperation of all parties involved.

What Are the Physical Effects of Sexual Harassment?

There can be several physical effects of sexual harassment. Victims of sexual harassment might find themselves facing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, or panic attacks. All these conditions can lead to difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle tension, difficulty going about their daily tasks, and difficulty maintaining personal and professional relationships.

What Kinds of Victim Recovery Are Available?

For victims of sexual harassment, there are several forms of compensation they may be able to recover. These can include medical costs, counseling costs, lost wages and employment benefits, emotional distress recovery, and, in some rare cases, punitive damages. However, it is important to keep in mind that punitive damage recovery only occurs if the courts deem that your employer acted with gross negligence or egregious behavior.

How Can a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help Me?

When you work with a sexual harassment lawyer, this legal advocate can supply you with several services. From the moment you walk into their office, your attorney can listen to your side of the story, help you file your claim and avoid any unnecessary mistakes, help gather evidence in your case, negotiate a settlement with your employer, and, if court becomes necessary, represent you through the litigation process.

Speak With a Trusted Legal Advocate Today

If you believe you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment in Ventura, Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA is here to help. We only take on cases we believe we can win and only charge if a case is lost. Contact our offices today to learn more about our services and to schedule an initial consultation.