Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior that occurs because of your gender. This can include unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. When submitting to or rejecting this conduct is made a basis for employment decisions, it is in your best interest to contact a sexual harassment attorney. Even if there is no employment decision involved, there may still be grounds for a suit if the conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
If you believe that you are the target of sexual harassment, you must remember to do two things. First, make sure you let the harasser clearly know that their conduct is unwelcome. Second, make sure that you let your employer know of the situation, preferably in writing, and let them know how you want it addressed. Try to follow whatever harassment policy your employer provides as closely as possible. In addition, it may be helpful to keep notes about each instance of harassment, make copies of your work performance records, and talk to fellow employees or others who may help you.
It is also possible to suffer illegal, sex-based harassment that is not of a sexual nature, also known as gender-based harassment. An example of this would be a supervisor who makes frequent derogatory comments about women and constantly refers to female employees using slurs or offensive language. It is also possible to be sexually harassed by a member of the same sex; if the offensive conduct occurred because of your gender, it fits the legal definition of sexual harassment.
At Holman Schiavone, LLC, we are ready to assist you with your sexual harassment complaint. Our staff can help you work through your employer's harassment policy, and can make suggestions on how to best lay the groundwork for a lawsuit, if necessary. Call our Kansas City, Missouri office at 816-283-8738 to schedule a free initial consultation, or fill out our online contact form.
