While state and federal laws specifically prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace, some New Jersey employers are less vigorous than they could be in seeing that these laws are observed. They sometimes operate this way because they know that the victims of sexual harassment may feel too embarrassed to come forward or are kept silent by fears of retaliatory action.

The form of sexual harassment that most people are familiar is referred to as quid pro quo sexual harassment. You would be a victim of this form of harassment if a manager or other supervisor were to request that you provide them with sexual favors. They may promise a promotion or other benefits as a means of applying pressure, or they could threaten to have you fired or reprimanded if you refuse their advances.

A second common form of sexual harassment in the workplace occurs when the actions of coworkers creates a hostile work environment for you. These actions could include using crude language in your presence, directing lewd gestures toward you or leaving obscene or explicit material where you are likely to discover it. Supervisors or managers are expected to take steps to prevent and curtail such behavior, and employers may face legal sanctions when they are lax in this area.

If you are being subjected to a hostile work environment due to sexual harassment, your first step should usually be filing a complaint with your employer. If this fails to address the situation, you may consider pursuing legal remedies. A plaintiff’s attorney with knowledge and experience in this complex area of employment law should represent your interests and seek compensation for you in court or administrative proceedings. If you wish to learn more about your rights in this area, please visit our website page dealing with sexual harassment.

Source: Hanan M. Isaacs, “Monmouth County Sexual Harassment Lawyer“, August 27, 2014

Source: Hanan M. Isaacs, “Monmouth County Sexual Harassment Lawyer“, August 27, 2014