Sexual Harassment Law FAQ

1. Q. What is sexual harassment law exactly?

A. Sexual harassment law governs sexual harassment cases, laws and individuals – both those who have been victims of sexual harassment and those who have been accused of sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment law also covers statutes and regulations regarding sexual harassment.

2. Q. What is considered sexual harassment?

A. If someone has been made to feel uncomfortable, threatened, scared or is affected in any other way by advances, threats, comments, jokes or other ‘sexual behavior’ as defined by the law – they have most likely been a victim of sexual harassment.

3. Q. What sort of behavior is considered unacceptable as far as sexual harassment goes?

A. Typically, it depends on the type of behavior and how it was directed, however sexual harassment may include:

• Unwelcome advances
• Touching, tickling or other physical contact
• Jokes which are of a sexual nature
• Threats of repercussion if the victim does not provide sexual favors
• Asking for sexual favors or insinuating sexual ideas

4. Q. What is the best thing to do if someone feels they have been sexually harassed at work?

A. The best course of action would be to notify the victim’s immediate supervisors so that something can be done to put a stop to the harassment.  If nothing is done to stop the harassment, the victim should consult a sexual harassment law attorney.

If you are in need of legal assistance, consult with a Sexual Harassment Attorney in your area to receive a free case review.

5. Q. If I am a company with an employee who has been accused of sexual harassment, should I hire an attorney?

A. It is in your best interest to hire an attorney to protect your company and your current employees.  If action is not taken against the sexual harasser (provided the accusations are true), your company could end up in a lawsuit.

6. Q. If I feel I have been a victim of sexual harassment, should I hire an attorney?

A. Again, it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney.  Attorneys who are familiar with sexual harassment law will be able to determine whether you have a valid case and how to pursue it.

7. Q. What must be established by an alleged victim in order to win a sexual harassment case?

A. In order for an alleged sexual harassment victim to win a lawsuit, it must be established that the harasser’s behavior would be considered hostile, aggressive or offensive to most people.  They must also prove that the plaintiff was offended.

8. Q. If I feel that I’m a victim of sexual harassment, should I address my harasser in any way?

A. You should address your harasser by telling him or her that you are unhappy with the behavior and that you want it to stop.  It could be that the harasser is unaware that their behavior is offending you and they may stop immediately.  If not, you should then go above the harasser to a supervisor.

9. Q. If I alert a supervisor to harassment in my workplace and it is not addressed, do I have a case against my employer?

A. You may have a case against your employer.  You should speak with a sexual harassment attorney in order to determine whether or not you have a case.  You will also have to determine whether you can prove that case.

10. Q. As an employer in a sexual harassment case, how can I prove that my company is not liable? 

A. You will need to prove that corrective measures were taken against the employee accused of the harassment and or that the employee who was the alleged victim did not take advantage of opportunities to correct the situation.

If you are in need of legal assistance, consult with a Sexual Harassment Attorney in your area to receive a free case review.