Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal law and is a form of sexual discrimination. At Rukin Hyland Doria & Tindall, we seek compensation for employees who have been sexually harassed in the workplace. We understand the stress experienced by employees who have experienced sexual harassment — and the emotional, psychological and physical effects which can be caused by that type of stress.

Have you been sexually harassed by your boss or supervisor? Has your employer failed to put a stop to sexually harassing behavior by co-workers or customers? Contact our attorneys online or by phone at 415-421-1800 for a free case evaluation.

What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:

1. Submitting to such conduct is made a term or condition of employment,
2. An employee's reaction (e.g. submitting to or rejecting sexual advances) to the conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the employee, or
3. The sexually harassing conduct is so severe or pervasive it unreasonably interferes with an employee's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Too many employees are still subjected to illegal sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Many employees also suffer retaliation (termination, demotion or other adverse actions) when they report sexual harassment on the job. Our employment lawyers have successfully handled claims on behalf of workers harmed by sexual harassment or illegal retaliation.

Examples of Offensive Sexual Conduct

Examples of verbal or physical conduct which might be considered sexual harassment include:

• Unwelcome sexual comments, jokes or innuendoes
• Sexually suggestive touching, groping or bodily contact against the employee's wishes
• Unwanted sexual advances or repeated requests for dates or sexual favors
• Posting sexually explicit images or material in the workplace
• E-mailing or viewing pornographic images on the job

In addition, if a boss or manager shows favoritism toward an employee with whom he is involved in a sexual relationship, it may create a hostile work environment for other co-workers. See The Fallout from Newsom's Affair, San Francisco Chronicle, February 2, 2007.

Contact Us for a Free Evaluation of Your Sexual Discrimination or Harassment Claim

If you have sexually harassed at work harmed by sexual discrimination in San Francisco or anywhere in Northern California, contact us online or by phone at 415-421-1800, to talk with an experienced employment lawyer.