Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious matter. No one should have to go through it, yet unfortunately, many people do. Most of us want to go to work, do our job, and feel good about our performance. However, on-the-job sexual harassment can make going to work harrowing. When we are distracted and on edge, it can negatively influence our performance and well-being.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, it is important to know your rights. At Yormak Employment & Disability Law, we understand what sexual harassment looks like. We know that constant verbal or physical harassment takes a serious toll on a person’s mental health and ability to do their job. As a result, we are proud members of the National Women’s Law Center’s Legal Network for Gender Equity and the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund.
We’re here to help. If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, you should know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Benjamin Yormak is one of the few board-certified employment law experts in Florida, and he is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a confidential and free consultation.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace can take different forms. It is any unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature or based on someone’s gender, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This includes physical contact such as unwanted touching; verbal behavior like comments about someone’s body or sexuality; and visual displays such as displaying sexual images. In addition, any request for sexual favors or quid pro quo situations may constitute sexual harassment.
Who can be a sexual harasser?
It is important to note that sexual harassment can occur between individuals of any gender and does not require a supervisor/subordinate relationship. All employees should feel safe in their workplace free from fear of this type of behavior.
Anyone can be a sexual harasser, regardless of their gender or role in the workplace. It is important to note that both men and women can be perpetrators of sexual harassment in the workplace. Additionally, supervisors, coworkers, customers, or anyone else present at a workplace may commit sexual harassment.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Harassing behavior may range from subtle remarks to more overt forms of abuse, such as physical assault. Here are some common examples of sexual harassment in the workplace:
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Unwanted physical contact or touching
- Making sexual innuendos or jokes
- Unwelcome flirting or advances
- Commenting on someone’s appearance in a sexual manner
- Asking for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits (quid pro quo)
- Making sexual gestures or facial expressions
- Displaying offensive material of a sexual nature at the workplace
- Sending inappropriate emails, texts, or other messages of a sexual nature
- Making threats about someone’s job if they don’t comply with unwanted sexual advances
- Unwanted pressure for dates
No one should have to endure sexual harassment in the workplace. If you are experiencing any of these unwanted behaviors, contact Yormak Employment & Disability Law today for a confidential consultation.
Laws Prohibiting Sexual Harassment
Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace and provide protection from this behavior.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. This law makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against any employee or prospective employee on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion. It also requires employers to provide a work environment free from hostile and abusive behavior due to a person’s gender. Furthermore, Title VII prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report or oppose an instance of sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA)
The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) also prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. This law makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against any employee or prospective employee based on their sex, race, color, national origin, pregnancy, religion, or disability. It requires employers to provide a work environment free from hostile and abusive behavior regardless of gender and also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report or oppose sexual harassment.
How to Recognize Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Recognizing sexual harassment in the workplace is an important step toward protecting your rights and safety. In addition to paying attention to any physical contact or verbal behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, it is important to look out for subtle behaviors such as inappropriate flirting, unwelcome advances, or pressure for dates. It is also necessary to be aware of any suggestive jokes, comments about your appearance, or offensive material of a sexual nature that might be displayed at the workplace. Finally, if someone is offering job benefits in exchange for sexual favors, this could also be considered unlawful sexual harassment.
How to Report and Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
In Florida, victims of workplace sexual harassment have several options for reporting and addressing sexual harassment. These may include:
- Filing a complaint with your employer. Most employers have an internal process for handling complaints of sexual harassment.
- Hiring an experienced workplace sexual harassment lawyer. An employment law expert can help ensure your rights are protected and ensure the best possible outcome for your situation.
- Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). These agencies are responsible for enforcing federal and state anti-discrimination laws, respectively, and can investigate and resolve complaints of workplace sexual harassment.
It is important to keep in mind that time limits may apply to filing a complaint or lawsuit, so it is important to act promptly if you believe you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment.
Remedies and Compensation for Victims of Sexual Harassment
Victims of workplace sexual harassment may be entitled to various forms of relief and compensation as a result of their sexual harassment case, including but not limited to:
- Lost wages
- Back pay
- Reinstatement or promotion
- Damages for emotional distress or physical harm caused by the harassment
- Payment of attorney’s fees & costs
- Punitive damages
- Injunctive relief (a court order to stop the harassment)
- Other forms of equitable relief.
Working with Yormak Employment & Disability Law to Protect Your Rights
At Yormak Employment & Disability Law, we are committed to helping employees protect their workplace rights. As one of the few board-certified employment law experts in Florida, Benjamin Yormak has won millions of dollars for clients throughout the state. We understand how difficult it can be to make a claim against an employer, and we will provide the assistance and advice you need to protect your rights.
If you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, contact us for a free consultation today. Don’t let anyone take away your right to feel safe and respected in the workplace. With Yormak Employment & Disability Law, you can be sure that your case will be handled with care and professionalism. Contact us today for more information about our Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyer services. We look forward to helping you seek the justice you deserve.