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Sexual Harassment Overview

  1. Defending The Rights of Victims in Orange County, San Bernardino, & Riverside County
  2. What Is Sexual Harassment?
  3. When Is Sexual Harassment a Crime?
  4. How Do I File a Sexual Harassment Claim in Los Angeles, CA?
  5. Should I File a California Sexual Harassment Report?
  6. What Can I Do to Protect Myself from Sexual Harassment Legally?
  7. What Compensation Can I Receive from My Sexual Harassment Claim?
  8. Hostile Work Environment? Call the KSJM Lawyers in Los Angeles Now
  9. Sexual Harassment FAQs
  10. Getting Legal Help is Easy Free and Confidential Case Evaluation

Defending The Rights of Victims in Orange County, San Bernardino, & Riverside County

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 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 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 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. Since this is the case, 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 it is your supervisor that 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 will 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. Establishing documentation of 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 Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys can then use these witnesses and their statements in your claim. In cases where there simply is no hard evidence, however, we recommend attempting to document as many details as you can 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 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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Hostile Work Environment? Call the KSJM Lawyers in Los Angeles Now

Have you been sexually harassed at work and fear that you’ll be retaliated against if you speak up about it? Do you have questions about your rights or how to build a claim that can result in meaningful change? Should your complaints fail to produce results, you may only have legal recourse left. Without a professional, you could potentially face unethical actions from your employer and even find it difficult to find future employment. No one should have limits to their freedom because of the criminal actions of another.

KSJM has spent more than 30 years advocating for working individuals and their families in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. We’ll help you with the resources and experience needed to level the playing field and take the appropriate steps in your claim. Contact a sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles at (310) 997-4431 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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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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