Despite improvements in recent years, sexual harassment in the workplace is still a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals across Florida. Sexual harassment isn’t always as obvious as an on-the-job injury or a blatant rule violation by an employer, and many victims of sexual harassment feel scared to come forward and report what they are dealing with. But there is good news – anyone dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace can get help today and work toward improving their situation. We want to empower you to take the first step and reach out to an attorney if you are a victim of sexual harassment, and that starts with being informed about your rights and options.
What Workplace Sexual Harassment Entails
Sexual harassment in the workplace is generally understood to mean any unwelcome contact – whether verbal, visual, or physical – that is severe, pervasive, and actively contributing to a negative, hostile work environment. This undesirable contact can be sexual in nature or simply related to someone’s sex. State and federal laws provide broad protections, allowing anyone who feels intimidated, scared, or harassed in their workplace to come forward.
Common forms of sexual harassment include leering, making offensive remarks, and inappropriate touching. It also includes making sexual or lewd jokes, hanging sexual pictures or posters, and sending sexually suggestive emails, notes, or images. It’s important to note that most actions that contribute to creating a hostile work environment may be categorized as sexual harassment, even if we did not explicitly list it here.
Many victims of sexual harassment experience a deep sense of anger, fear, and anxiety, often feeling isolated and unsure of how to address the situation without ruffling feathers. The dilemma of whether to protest and risk job security or to stay silent and endure the harassment further complicates their predicament. If there is one thing you should take away from this blog, it is this: don’t fear coming forward if you are a victim. Reach out to an attorney, even if you still aren’t sure about your situation.
Sexual harassment attorneys can help in many ways, from offering further advice and support after a consultation to dealing with the sometimes strict legal requirements of filing claims. We know you may have many questions, and we can provide further guidance during your free consultation with our team.
Common Concerns About Harassment
Victims of workplace sexual harassment often have concerns that prevent them from coming forward. This is completely understandable, but we encourage you to take the first step and contact our team to learn more about your options and how we can help. Some common concerns include:
Fear of Retaliation and Job Loss: One of the most common fears is the risk of losing their job as a result of speaking out against their employer. However, employment laws strictly prohibit retaliation against employees who report harassment, making you feel more secure in speaking up for yourself. If you still have concerns, remember that you will be working with an experienced group of attorneys who will help during this upsetting time.
Perceived Complexity and Duration of Legal Proceedings: Another significant concern is the idea that any claim or legal proceeding will be too complicated and not worth the effort. However, the assistance of an experienced attorney simplifies the process considerably. While it won’t be a walk in the park, you won’t have to deal with any legal minutiae that threatens to ruin your claim or place roadblocks between you and a happy future. Our team is experienced in representing victims of sexual harassment and will shoulder most of the burden once you provide us with info about your situation.
At Probinsky & Cole, we dedicate part of our law firm to employment litigation, with a specific understanding and emphasis on sexual harassment cases. If you have more questions or want to take the next step after dealing with sexual harassment in your workplace, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help.
