During the previous fiscal year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 7,609 complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace. This was a 13.6 percent increase over the previous year. However, workers in Florida and elsewhere filed 9.3 percent fewer complaints overall during the last fiscal year. The increase in sexual harassment claims is seen as a good thing by some because it means that individuals are feeling more confident about making their voices heard.
Ultimately, they feel as if their employers will actually do something to resolve the issue in a satisfactory manner. It also means that employees have a better sense of what sexual harassment is and how to recognize when it is taking place. This can be attributed to additional training provided by employers throughout the country. However, according to a member of the EEOC, only about 15 to 20 percent of cases are being reported.
Employees may also be increasingly willing to report their experiences with sexual harassment because it is easier to gather evidence. For instance, an individual may save text messages, emails or other digital proof that harassment has occurred. Company policies and state laws have also changed to make it easier for victims of harassment to make their voices heard. New York, Vermont, and Maryland have banned the use of forced arbitration in sexual harassment cases.
Workers in Boca Raton, Florida who have been subject to harassment at work may be victims of employment law violations. An attorney may review evidence such as text messages, pictures or other records an employee may have. Those who believe that they have a case may need to file a charge with the EEOC before they file a lawsuit. However, a harassment case may be settled in a victim’s favor outside of court.
