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A Quick Guide to Sexual Harassment

A Quick Guide to Sexual Harassment

With all the talk of sexual harassment in the media, usually surrounding celebrities or politicians, at times in can be confusing as to exactly what constitutes as sexual harassment punishable in the court of law. Questions can arise, such as:

  • Is asking someone out on a date considered sexual harassment?
  • Is telling someone they look pretty or handsome sexual harassment?
  • If I tell someone their clothes look nice on them, is that considered sexual harassment?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Lays It Out

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is unwanted sexual conduct or attention. Simply stated, by the EEOC:

“Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.”

To further clarify, Erin Matson, vice president of the National Organization for Women explains two different types of “unwelcome” sexual advance. They are:

  1. Quid Pro Quo, which means, ‘do this or you won’t get work or a promotion.”
  2. Creating a hostile work environment with an ongoing pattern of sexually suggestive comments.

The EEOC goes on to further explain:

“Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).”

What If I Ask Someone Out on a Date?

According to the EEOC, asking someone out on a date once and being turned down is not considered sexual harassment, however continued, unwanted sexual advances could be considered sexual harassment.

We Are the Attorneys for You

Have you found yourself the victim of sexual harassment? The attorneys of Teal Montgomery have the significant experience you need, both in the courtroom and out. We can show you the results to back up our claims of trial attorney and are prepared to take your trial to case if it is in your best interest.

If you feel you’ve been terminated illegally, we can help. We’ll walk you through the details of your case, help you organize your thoughts and explain your options. The attorneys of Teal Montgomery have an in-depth knowledge of sexual harassment law. We work to understand our cases in detail. We maintain relationships with experts who help us build strong cases on your behalf.

Call 707-525-1212 (Santa Rosa Office) or 916-448-1010 (Sacramento Office) or  Contact us today.