San Diego Employment Lawyers
Explaining Sexual Harassment

One of the truly positive phenomena of the past 30 years is the entrance of more and more women into the workforce.  This move towards equality has allowed for success stories to arise all over the United States, and both men and women have benefitted from this growth.  Unfortunately, the higher number of women in the workplace has also led to a growth of sexual harassment.  If you have been the target of this conduct, you need to contact San Diego employment lawyers as soon as possible.  In the meantime, below is a brief overview of this issue.

How Sexual Harassment Occurs

Sexual harassment can arise in several situations, and over time different forms of sexual harassment have been defined given how often they come about.  Examples of sexual harassment include:

• Quid pro quo – Offering advancement or other work-based benefits in exchange for sex.
• Making unwanted and uninvited sexual advances
• Sharing sexually derogatory sexual materials or humor
• Initiating any unwanted physical contact or touching
• Making sexual gestures towards someone else

The examples above are only a few in number, but they are alarmingly common.  In addition, sexual harassment in the workplace is not limited to men acting out towards women.  There have been cases where women have been accused of this conduct as well, and these situations often begin with an imbalance in power – one person has authority over the other, which makes it less likely that the target of this conduct will report the aggressor.

How Sexual Harassment is Proven

Unfortunately, proving the existence of sexual harassment can be difficult.  Not only are many of these situations those that involve one person’s word against the other, but there is often little if any evidence available to offer as proof.  In addition, many companies learn of the possibility of being exposed to liability for sexual harassment and take steps to limit that potential liability in several different ways.

However, those who have been the target of this conduct need to make sure that they protect and enforce their legal rights.  This process is greatly aided by seeking the help of San Diego sexual harassment lawyers who have been proving these cases to courts and juries for many years despite the difficulties that can arise with doing so.  If you or someone you love has suffered as a target of this conduct, contact the San Diego employment lawyers at Mitchell | Gilleon as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.