Putting An End To Sexual Harassment
Even with a changing cultural climate and more attention dedicated to ending sexual harassment, it happens all too frequently. But there’s still confusion around what sexual harassment is, the circumstances under which it occurs and how it can be dealt with.
At the law firm of Stephanie Jane Hahn, Attorney at Law PC, we are dedicated to helping workers who have been harassed and abused by their employers or co-workers, whether it occurs in quid pro quo situations or due to a hostile work environment.
Examining The Facts Surrounding Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can consist of unwelcome or unprompted sexual advances and pleas for sexual favors or any other conduct of a sexual nature that affects a person’s employment or performance and results in a hostile work environment.
- Both the victim and harasser may be of either sex. A man sexually harassing a woman isn’t the only possibility.
- The harasser can be a supervisor, co-worker or manager or have numerous other affiliations to the workplace.
- Anybody affected by the conduct can be considered a victim, not just the person who is harassed.
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there were nearly 27,000 cases of harassment (including 9,614 cases of sexual harassment) filed across the U.S. in 2017, with Indiana representing 2.3 percent of newly filed sexual harassment charges.*
Putting An End To Sexual Harassment
Most places of employment have policies detailing what steps should be taken if sexual harassment occurs in the workplace. But it can be difficult to navigate these policies, particularly if you feel threatened by a supervisor or manager.
Too often, employers don’t take enough time to investigate the claim and remedy it. If you’ve experienced unwanted or unwelcome sexual advancements and have made it clear that they’re unwelcome, to no avail, an experienced lawyer can help.
Act Quickly
Don’t leave this issue without addressing it. Contact Stephanie Jane Hahn, Attorney at Law PC, to schedule a consultation at our Indianapolis office and discuss what steps should be taken.
*https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/statistics/enforcement/sexual_harassment_fepas_by_state.cfm