There Are Two Main Kinds of Sexual Harassment at Work

Although there are many different ways that sexual harassment can occur in the workplace, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that hostile work environments and quid pro quo are the two most prevalent types.

Quid pro quo: This type of harassment happens when an individual in a position of authority, like a manager or supervisor, partakes in inappropriate sexual activity in return for advantages related to their profession, like job stability or career progression.

In this kind of harassment, it is explicitly stated that acceptance of a sexual approach is a need for job perks. It shows a glaring disparity in power between the harasser and the victim, which could make the victim feel obligated or afraid.

Hostile Work Environment: When inappropriate sexual behavior or remarks create an intimidating, uncomfortable, or offensive attitude at work, it's called a hostile work environment. This kind of harassment is characterized by persistent behavior that fosters an atmosphere that an average person would find intimidating, abusive, or unfriendly.

What Should You Do If You've Been Sexually Harassed at Work?

Being aware of your rights as a victim of sexual harassment might help you prevent future harassment and make the harasser responsible for their actions. Contacting an employment lawyer with a focus on representing victims of workplace sexual harassment is an important step towards obtaining justice. The actions you should take following a sexual harassment incident at work are as follows:

Seek support: The first thing to do is ask a friend, coworker, or medical professional for assistance. Tell them what happened so they can assist you in resolving these feelings and lessen the negative impact on your mental well-being.

Record the specifics: Every detail pertaining to the occurrence, including the time, place, date, descriptions, and identities of any witnesses, should be documented. This will come in handy should you want to proceed.

Report the mistreatment: In accordance with the policies and procedures established by your employer, you should report the occurrence of sexual harassment. Generally speaking, you could have to report to the person directly in charge of you or other authorized authorities. Don't forget to include any supporting documentation or specifics about the harassment.

Register a formal complaint: You have the option to register a formal complaint with your manager if the above-mentioned processes do not lead to a satisfactory settlement. Begin by filing a formal complaint outlining the occurrence and asking for an inquiry.

Speak with a lawyer: Because sexual harassment claims involve subjective feelings and interpretations of behavior, they can be complicated. Think about getting advice from a lawyer with experience in employment law.

Speak with Our New York Sexual Harassment Attorneys by Getting in Touch with Mizrahi Kroub Today.

Our lawyers at Mizrahi Kroub LLP are well knowledgeable about sexual harassment statutes in New York and how they relate to your particular case. To find out how one of our New York sexual harassment attorneys can assist you in navigating the nuances of your case, give us a call at (212) 595-6200.