Sexual harassment: steps to justice

Sexual harassment is simply an inappropriate verbal or physical conduct. It can take place in a workplace, school, etc. In US sexual harassment is treated as a type of sexual discrimination. It violates article-7 of Civil Rights Act, 1964. Hearing or viewing of unwelcome behavior of sexually explicit nature which may not be directed towards the viewer or listener can also constitute sexual harassment.

The employee should try to resolve the matter within the workplace itself. The victim needs to talk to the Human Resource Department Personnel or to even higher authority. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission is where a victim is required to file the report within 180 days of the incident.

There is no limit to the amount of damage a victim can claim from sexual harassment ruling. The damages can be claimed based on:-

• Current and future loss of wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Punitive damages;
• Attorney fees, etc.

Florida Civil Rights Act passed in 2009 provides additional protection for sexual harassment offences. In case of sexual harassment which has resulted in physical contact with the victim, the charges can develop into assault and/or battery. This can result in felony charges against the offender. In such circumstances it is better to approach police before a lawyer.

In case of Fort Lauderdale residents it is advisable to approach an experienced Fort Lauderdale sexual harassment Attorney. Even before approaching a lawyer it is better to collect evidences.

Filing a sexual harassment case

Florida law defines a “sexual harassment” offense; it is any unwelcome sexual advances, conduct, physical or verbal acts of a sexual nature, which may take place in the workplace. If you were experiencing something like this, it is time to talk to a sexual harassment attorney.

If you work at a Fort Lauderdale organization, and your employer offers you a promotion, hike in pay, or shift change, in lieu of any act that is sexual in nature, you may press charges of sexual harassment on your employer.

You can also file a case, if you face adverse actions from your employer because you say no to their sexual advances. These threats may be as varied as removal from your job, demotion or even a decrease in salary or responsibilities.

If you have a hostile work environment, where your co-workers make sexual advances, it can also classify as sexual harassment. As per Florida laws, your employer is directly liable for this as well.

It is necessary to ascertain whether it classifies as sexual harassment. Get in touch with a Fort Lauderdale sexual harassment attorney and discuss the situation with him/her. If it qualifies as sexual harassment, take help to file a complaint and initiate legal action.