Sexual Harassment
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – the agency responsible for enforcing federal workplace harassment laws – generally defines “sexual harassment” as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Additionally, sexual harassment also includes harassment based on one’s gender, such as derogatory or offensive comments about women. The harasser does not necessarily need to be a supervisor or manager; it can be a co-worker or even a customer or client. Courts generally do not view isolated incidents or a few offhanded comments as being severe or pervasive enough to constitute sexual harassment. Rather, courts generally look for whether the harassment was so frequent and severe that it created a hostile or offensive work environment. If you believe you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you can contact us and we will help evaluate your potential claim.