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Sexual Harassment Overview

Defending The Rights of Victims Across Los Angeles, California

Unfortunately, the type of hostile work environment created by sexual harassment is one of the most widespread problems in California. Sexual harassment is one of the most difficult situations for employees and employers to handle, especially given that some employers may brush off sexual harassment as a joke or strange behavior. As a result, employees may have to deal with unfair and degrading interactions every day.

If you believe you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment at work, our experienced Los Angeles, California sexual harassment lawyers can investigate the details of the situation and work with you to build a strong case.

The experienced attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison, PC can assist you in taking a stand against sexual harassment in the workplace, as we believe you have a right to work in a safe and fair environment. We realize that individuals don’t always have the expertise or resources needed to hold their employers accountable. Our team of professionals can gather evidence, call witnesses, and scrutinize arguments against your claim. An employer can be legally accountable for sexual harassment, whether or not they knew it was happening. To learn more about how we can help you, reach out to the Los Angeles, Caliornia sexual harassment attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morison today.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

In a perfect world, employers, bosses, and coworkers would treat each other as equals. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still commonplace despite numerous awareness campaigns and movements that have worked to promote equality and equity in the workplace. As a result, laws and protections have been passed which are designed to help you in this type of situation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Sexual harassment in the workplace does not only apply to women; these laws protect people of all gender identities.

Quid Pro Quo

There are two types of sexual harassment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer conditions employment or rewards on unwelcome sexual advances. For example, an employer may refuse to grant a worker a promotion unless they perform sexual favors. This is a very common example of quid pro quo sexual harassment.

Hostile Work Environment

Another type of sexual harassment is known as creating a hostile work environment. It is just as illegal as quid pro quo sexual harassment. A “hostile working environment” could include exposure to unwanted sexual advances, physical contact, and sexual remarks. In addition, this can involve sexual photographs or other types of intimidating, hostile, or offensive work situations. 

Proving Your Claim

To prove you are working in a hostile environment, you must establish a pattern of sexual harassment. Still, even if you experience an isolated incident of sexual harassment, you may have a claim. This usually depends on how severe your incident was, and one of the experienced Los Angeles, California, sexual harassment attorneys at our firm can help you by uncovering evidence that demonstrates the severity of the situation.

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When Is Sexual Harassment a Crime?

Is sexual harassment a crime? How is sexual harassment defined? These are important questions, because identifying sexual harassment is paramount to preventing it. Sexual harassment does not only refer to requests for inappropriate sexual favors. There are other activities that the Equal Opportunity Commission has defined. These standards can be used as a guide for what types of behavior are inappropriate.

Some of the most common behaviors that can constitute a sexual harassment claim include:

  • Inappropriate jokes: Verbal harassment is a criminal offense in California. An employee creates a hostile work environment when they make racial slurs, sexist jokes, or other derogatory comments.
  • Physical interaction: Any touching, assault, or unwanted physical interference is unlawful.
  • Unwanted advances: Your boss or coworker may approach you for sexual favors. Unwanted sexual advances are a serious offense. In some cases, an employer may offer benefits to coerce you to accept their advances.
  • Displaying harassing content: Sexual cartoon strips, drawings, posters, and other content is inappropriate in the workplace. As a rule, offensive visual harassment can contribute to a hostile work environment.
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How Do I File a Sexual Harassment Claim in Los Angeles, CA?

Ultimately, sexual harassment does not exclusively involve sex—it usually involves a difference in power or authority as well. Given this, you may be reluctant to speak out against the responsible party. However, it is in your best interest—economically, legally, and ethically—to protect your rights. 

Furthermore, the discrimination against you can cause life-altering emotional problems. The best way to protect your interests is to identify and document sexual harassment with the help of a qualified attorney. Notes, emails, letters, phone calls, and other forms of contact can all be used as evidence in your case. 

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Should I File a California Sexual Harassment Report?

A report of misconduct can help you establish evidence in your claim. The first way to address sexual harassment in the workplace is to ask the harasser to stop. Once you’ve done this, write a sexual harassment report complaint to your employer. Finally, contact an attorney. If the workplace harassment continues after you’ve informed your employer, then make it known. Inform every relevant person in your workplace, including supervisors, HR departments, and anyone in a position of authority in your company. If your supervisor is doing the harassing, go to their supervisor.

Collecting documentation of the sexual harassment you experience and the attendant complaints you make will be key when it comes to strengthening your harassment claim. Ultimately, the more documentation you have of the sexual harassment you have endured, the more likely you are to have a successful harassment claim. It is also wise to begin collecting evidence of sexual harassment through your own notes. We recommend including any relevant emails, letters, and photocopies of offensive material. Documenting your experience is one of the best ways to strengthen your claim.

Finally, you can help your case in another significant way by locating any other witnesses who may have been privy to your harassment and getting their information. One of our sexual harassment attorneys in Los Angeles, California, can then use these witnesses and their statements in your claim. In cases where there is simply no hard evidence, however, we recommend documenting as many details as possible about your situation. For example, make a note of times, dates, frequency, locations, anyone who you believe may have witnessed the sexual harassment, and how your company responded when you brought it to their attention.

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What Can I Do to Protect Myself from Sexual Harassment Legally?

Taking proactive steps can help safeguard your rights and prevent sexual harassment before it escalates. Our team at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison in Los Angeles, California, can guide you through strategies to protect yourself both in and outside the workplace. Consider these important actions:

  • Know your rights under federal and state laws, including Title VII and local protections
  • Understand your employer’s sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures
  • Keep thorough written records of any inappropriate behavior or communications as they occur
  • Request a written acknowledgment from your employer when you report harassment
  • Seek early legal counsel to understand your protections and options for action
  • Participate in or advocate for workplace training programs on harassment prevention
  • Set clear boundaries and communicate discomfort professionally when safe to do so

What Compensation Can I Receive from My Sexual Harassment Claim?

Victims of sexual harassment may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case. The attorneys at KSJM can help you pursue damages to address both the financial and emotional impact of harassment. Potential compensation may include:

  • Lost wages for missed work or job loss due to harassment
  • Lost future earnings if your career opportunities were affected
  • Emotional distress damages for anxiety, depression, or trauma
  • Medical expenses related to mental health treatment or other care
  • Punitive damages to hold the offender accountable and deter future misconduct
  • Attorney’s fees and court costs associated with your case
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Why Choose Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison to Handle Your Sexual Harassment Case in Los Angeles, CA?

Workplace sexual harassment can leave lasting personal and professional consequences, and getting legal guidance early is key to protecting your rights. For over 30 years, Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison has stood up for California employees facing harassment, retaliation, and abuse of power in the workplace. Our sexual harassment attorneys in Los Angeles are dedicated to demanding accountability from employers and bringing decades of focused employment law experience to every case.

Our firm has earned recognition that reflects our commitment to employee advocacy, including:

  • Induction into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Membership in the California Employment Lawyers Association and the Consumer Attorneys Associations of California and Los Angeles
  • Recognition by The Daily Journal as top labor and employment attorneys in California
  • Honors as Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars

Sexual harassment can take many forms, from unwanted advances to hostile work environments and retaliation for speaking up. Our attorneys can assess your situation, explain your options under California law, and help you pursue justice. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison at (310) 997-4431 to discuss how we can help.

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Sexual Harassment FAQs

Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?

What should I do if I witness sexual harassment in my workplace?

Can I sue my employer?

How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in California?

In which industries is sexual harassment the most prevalent?

Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?

No. Under both federal and California law, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment. If you experience termination, demotion, or other adverse actions after filing a complaint, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim. Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison can help protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.

What should I do if I witness sexual harassment in my workplace?

If you witness harassment, document what you saw in detail, including dates, times, and any witnesses. Report the incident to your supervisor or HR department according to your company’s policies. All complaints need to be put in writing, preferably via email, so there is a record of them. Where complaints are made verbally, sometimes employers deny a complaint was ever made, or the nature of the report is changed to benefit the employer. Be clear in any written communications. Our team can guide you through additional legal steps if your employer fails to address the problem.

Can I sue my employer?

Yes—if your employer knew about the harassment or should have known about it and failed to take appropriate action, they may be legally liable. We can evaluate your situation and determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is the best path forward.

How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in California?

Under California law, you typically have three years from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD). However, deadlines may vary depending on your case, so it’s best to consult KSJM promptly to preserve your rights.

In which industries is sexual harassment the most prevalent?

While sexual harassment can occur in any workplace, it is often reported at higher rates in industries such as hospitality, entertainment, healthcare, agriculture, and construction—where power imbalances, transient workforces, or informal settings can make employees more vulnerable.

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