What Is Sexual Harrasment In The Workplace?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue throughout the country. It is actionable at federal, state, and local levels depending on the jurisdiction and size of the company, among other factors. It negatively impacts the victim of the harassment and can obstruct daily operations. Suppose you have been the victim of sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting harassment by a supervisor or another employee in Virginia or Washington D.C… In that case, an experienced employment law attorney can help you determine your best course of action.
Sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination and is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This federal law applies to government employers at the federal, state, and local levels and private-sector employers with fifteen or more employees.
For private-sector employees working at a business that employs less than 15 people, state and local laws offer protection against sexual harassment. For example, in Virginia, the Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex. This includes discriminatory employment practices based on pregnancy and childbirth, gender identification, and sexual orientation. Victims of sexual harassment can file a complaint with the Virginia Division of Human Rights, where their place of employment has between six and fourteen employees. Additionally, Fairfax County prohibits sexual harassment, and a complaint can be filed for those employed at a business with four or more employees.
In Washington D.C., the Human Rights Act makes it unlawful for an employer or employee to create a hostile work environment based on a protected characteristic, including sex. The District also provides more specific rules, such as the requirement that employers of tipped workers complete sexual harassment training. Additionally, D.C. specifies that an employee can file a claim even if they were not a direct victim of the harassment, as anyone can be affected by another person’s offensive conduct.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment does not have to be purely sexual. However, because it is a form of discrimination based on sex, offensive remarks about particular sex, in general, could be offensive to a person of that sex.
The law recognizes two types of sexual harassment:
- Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment – this type of harassment is specifically sexual. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a person in a position of power, such as a supervisor or manager, or another employee, offers something beneficial for sexual favors. A typical example of quid pro quo harassment includes a promotion being dependent on the employee performing sexual acts on a supervisor. Another specific instance of this harassment is when a manager offers to refrain from terminating an employee if the employee agrees to engage in sexual conduct with the manager.
- Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment – this type of harassment can be sexual but isn’t always so. This is seen where the conduct of others in the workplace creates an offensive environment so abusive that the employee cannot effectively do their job. An example of hostile work environment harassment includes a female employee finding it difficult to do her job because of offensive comments about women made by other employees.
While most people picture a female victim in instances of sexual harassment, it is essential to remember that any person of any sex can be a victim. Additionally, sexual harassment is not always committed by a person of the opposite sex and can be achieved by someone of the same sex.
What Steps Should I Take if I am a Victim of Workplace Sexual Harassment?
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, the first thing you should do is report the harassment or file a complaint with your company’s Human resources department. Most workplaces are required to have the H.R. department investigate any claims of harassment. Unfortunately, while many companies take sexual harassment claims seriously as they should, some issues of harassment may go unresolved. Upon a lack of resolution, you should submit a complaint to your state’s agency that investigates claims of sexual harassment or to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you are unsure about the process or what to include within your complaint, an employment law attorney can file the complaint on your behalf.
If your H.R. department does not properly investigate your sexual harassment complaint and you choose to file one with the EEOC, you must do so within 180 days of the alleged incident. If you file later than 180 days, the EEOC may elect not to investigate your claim. The 180-day limit may be extended to 300 days due to a work-sharing agreement between the state and the EEOC. Once the agency receives your complaint, it will take two courses of action. First, suppose the EEOC elects to investigate your claim. In that case, it will interview other employees and any other witnesses and review paperwork and any security footage that might provide evidence of the harassment. Second, if the agency finds that the employer violated discrimination laws, it will attempt to settle. If no settlement is reached, the Department of Justice will determine if a lawsuit should be filed. The EEOC may also choose to issue a Notice of Right to Sue if it elects not to file a discrimination lawsuit or if it does not find a violation of the law. The Notice of Right to Sue is required to file an employment discrimination lawsuit in federal district court.
Notably, in D.C., your sexual harassment claim must be filed within one year of the date you believe the discrimination occurred if your claim is against a private employer. However, in Virginia, you must file a claim within 180 days to preserve your claim under state law and 300 days to preserve your claim under federal law if your claim is against a private employer. Thus, if your claim is against a national employer, you only have 45 days to file.
Have You Been Sexually Harassed in the Workplace? Call Us Today
As an employee, you have the right to be free from discrimination based on your sex, including sexual harassment. If you have been offered a work benefit in exchange for sexual favors or subjected to an abusive environment due to offensive conduct, contact the employment law attorneys of McClanahan Powers, PLLC by calling 703-520-1326 or visiting our website to schedule your consultation.