Sexual harassment in the workplace can make you feel unsafe, outnumbered, and alone. Work shouldn’t be this way. If you’ve been mistreated at work based on your sex, or if your workplace has subjected you to a pattern of offensive sexual conduct, you have rights.
An experienced workplace harassment lawyer in Winston-Salem can protect your rights. Your attorney can be the strength you need to make the harassment stop and hold bad actors and their enablers accountable.
Our employment attorneys at EMP Law have been successful protectors, advocates, and champions for mistreated workers for years. We get results, and we are here to help if you need us.
Learn how we can help you today by calling (336) 724-2828 or sending an online message.
How Common Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Unfortunately, workplace sexual harassment occurs often. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that workers filed more than 27,000 sexual harassment complaints (or “charges”) between 2018 and 2021.
The EEOC also found that 90% of people in a study who stated that they had endured workplace harassment didn’t formally report it.
This means there could have been approximately 300,000 instances of workplace sexual harassment in this country from 2018 to 2021. This figure is alarming. If you’re a victim of sexual harassment at work, you’re not alone, and you have a right to legal relief. An experienced sexual harassment attorney in Winston-Salem can help you.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is sex discrimination. Sex discrimination is illegal in the workplace under Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and North Carolina’s Equal Employment Practice Act.
Workplace sexual harassment comes in many forms under both federal and state law. Each form of workplace harassment is unlawful and can be incredibly damaging.
In general, sexual harassment includes:
- Verbal conduct of a sexual nature,
- Unwanted sexual advances,
- Physical conduct of a sexual nature, and
- Requests for sexual favors.
If someone in your workplace makes accepting sexual behavior a condition for staying employed or receiving work benefits, or if sexual behavior interferes with your ability to work, you likely have a potential sexual harassment case.
Your employer can be liable for the sexual misconduct of co-workers, supervisors, clients, and customers. Sexual harassment could be one instance of inappropriate touching or many brief instances of unwelcome, offensive comments.
If you’re uncomfortable with the sexual behavior in your workplace, don’t worry about whether it looks like what you perceive to be sexual harassment. A Winston-Salem, North Carolina sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your options as to the behaviors in your workplace and guide you through the legal process to make them stop.
How to Handle Sexual Harassment at Work
Responding to sexual harassment while trying to earn a living can be overwhelming. But responding to harassment can be easier when you have a clear and simple list of ways to protect yourself.
Let’s discuss different steps you can take to address sexual harassment in your workplace.
When unlawful sexual behavior occurs at work, taking the following steps can protect your rights and bring you relief:
- Tell the harassing individual to stop,
- Notify your supervisor (if possible),
- Speak to a lawyer,
- Keep detailed notes and work documents that evidence the harassment,
- Use your employer’s grievance or complaint system to file a complaint at work,
- File a discrimination complaint with a state or federal agency, and
- File a discrimination lawsuit in federal or state civil court.
Each sexual harassment case is different, so it’s best to speak to a skilled sexual harassment lawyer immediately to determine the best ways to respond to your unique situation. Speaking to an experienced sexual harassment lawyer in Winston-Salem, NC can reduce your stress and give you the best chance for recovery.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Complaint
Employees who have suffered sexual harassment can file complaints with the EEOC. If your complaint is successful, you could receive financial relief, and your employer could be forced to make significant changes at your workplace.
If you want to file a complaint with a state or federal agency, your employer must have at least 15 employees. And you only have 180 days to file a complaint with the EEOC. This is why it’s crucial to consult with a workplace harassment lawyer in Winston-Salem as soon as possible. Your lawyer can determine the best legal actions to take in your case and meet important deadlines while you focus on staying safe and making a living.
Our Attorneys Are Standing By
When someone mistreats you at work, having a good advocate can make a world of difference. You can find that good advocate in an experienced Winston-Salem sexual harassment attorney from EMP Law. We are seasoned employment lawyers who have successfully fought for mistreated workers across the state of North Carolina.
Give us a call at (336) 724-2828 or contact us online if you need help.
We Can Help You.
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