What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse in the work environment is defined as sexual discrimination that is deemed to violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also violates the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Sexual abuse or sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unsolicited sexual advances. These advances may consist of physical, verbal, or visual gestures. The actions do not need to be driven by a sexual desire. They may be presented as a form of discrimination due to an individual’s sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, or related to childbirth. These actions include harassment of employees of the same sex. Please reach out to our sexual harassment attorneys for guidance if you have been a victim of sexual misconduct at the workplace.
What are my options if I am being sexually discriminated against and harassed?
Contacting an experienced sexual harassment attorney about the sexual abuse is usually the best course of action to take early on. Our attorneys at Mesriani Law Group have years of experience in getting our clients justice for the sexual abuse they have endured. We take such abuse very seriously. You should not have to tolerate the stress any longer. You have rights and we are here to protect them. We will make sure that your harasser will be held accountable for what you have been put through.
What should I do if I am being sexually harassed?
It is best to complain about the sexual harassment to your Human Resources manager or immediate manger via email or by other means in writing. Do not forget to mention the exact occurrences. Vague messages such as “harassment” can be misconstrued in a courtroom. Try to be descriptive when recounting the events that took place. Forward these company emails to your personal email or print them for yourself as well so you will continue to have access to the paper trail you have begun. Keeping notes for yourself of exact dates, times and the events that have taken place is also a helpful tool. Please see if you can find witnesses willing to testify on your behalf. A sexual abuse attorney will be able to use these materials as proof of the sexual abuse.
May I be terminated for reporting the sexual harassment?
If you report your abuser to your employer and you are terminated, you may have grounds for a very strong claim for wrongful termination and retaliation as well. An attorney who is experienced in sexual harassment law, such as the lawyers at Mesriani Law Group will know just how to handle such a case and will be able to make sure your rights are protected throughout the discovery process. Your employer should be protecting you from harm not punishing you for reporting the abuse. Unfortunately, there are still employers out there that do not do the right thing. The best way to hold them accountable is to involve a professional law firm that knows just how to make them take responsibility for their actions or lack thereof. Far too many times, the corrupt behavior goes unchecked and the abuser does not stop the sexual abuse. The behavior becomes more unhindered and the inappropriate behavior tends to not cease.
As far as we have come as a society, we would think that sexual abuse would no longer be an issue within the workplace. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is very prevalent in the workforce. No one deserves to be treated with such disrespect. Handling injustice is our specialty. We want you to leave the fighting up to us and rest assured that we have what it takes to defend your rights and punish the harasser. Call our sexual harassment attorneys today for a free consultation. We will advise you on the best course of action and give you some options to set your mind at ease. You have the right to work free of sexual harassment in your employment setting and we will make sure you are legally protected and justly compensated if your rights are violated.
