What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in CA?
Sexual harassment in the workplace has become a pressing topic in today’s society, with many women speaking out about the topic and their experiences related to it. While there are many different types of harassment covered by California state law, there are some distinctions tied to sexual harassment laws. Sexual harassment can be defined as unwanted or sexually-charged verbal and/or physical advances from an employer or fellow employee. It can take forms such as “quid pro quo” harassment, wherein employers condition job promotions or other benefits on sexual favors. It can constitute creating a hostile work environment, wherein actions such as verbal comments and physical advances make an individual uncomfortable. This even includes situations where the offending actions are not directly specifically at you.
“Workplace harassment is when an employee is subject to harassing conduct based on protected class that is severe or pervasive such that a reasonable person would consider the work environment to be hostile, intimidating, offensive, oppressive, or abusive,” Douglas Han, Partner of the Justice Law Corporation, describes. “In this situation, the company knew or should have known and failed to correct the behavior. As a result, the employee was harmed by another’s conduct.”
In the workplace, sexual harassment falls under the purview of the Fair Employment and Housing ACT (FEHA). Douglas Han of the Justice Law Corporation explains, “The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects all California employees from discrimination. It also protects job applicants, both external and internal.” Under FEHA, sexual harassment is not limited to individuals and their employers and fellow employees. It can also cover conduct between physicians, therapists, and other medical professionals toward their patients. This is because sexual harassment from medical professionals toward patients can result in lasting emotional damage and significantly set back patients’ treatments.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, be sure to find a reputable law firm that can represent you if you decide to sue for damages. Douglas Han from Justice Law Corporation, which has experience in many harassment and discrimination cases says, “If you have been mistreated by your employer because of your race, sex, age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or national origin, and need legal representation, we may be able to help you.” As an employee and citizen of California, you do not have to tolerate these abusive and obnoxious actions in the workplace. Get the justice you deserve by calling a reputable attorney today.