You should not have to endure any type of sexual harassment in your place of work. Even though there are both state and federal laws against harassment, it still happens, and you could be a victim. If you think this is happening to you, it’s normal to feel unsure about what you experienced and what you should do next. It may help you to learn more about verbal and non-verbal sexual harassment so that you can determine if you have grounds to move forward with a civil claim.
Harassment has no place in a Florida workplace. Victims have the right to speak out and seek justice, even if there was no physical contact. If you think you could have a case against your employer or you want to determine if the treatment you were subjected to at work counts as sexual harassment, you will find it beneficial to work with an experienced employment law attorney.
Verbal sexual harassment
This type of sexual harassment does not necessarily involve any physical contact. It happens through inappropriate comments, sexually suggestive statements and more. It can even be through asking for sexual favors in exchange for career advancement and other things. It’s possible you even experienced verbal sexual harassment if subjected to crude jokes and seemingly lighthearted conversations that are sexual in nature.
Victims of verbal harassment may not know they could still have a case against their employer for a hostile work environment. You do not necessarily have to have physical contact in order to have a valid case for sexual harassment.
Non-verbal sexual harassment
You could also experience sexual harassment visually as well. If someone at work sends you explicit messages or pictures, it is harassment. Of course, unwanted physical contact is sexual harassment as well. This includes brushing up against someone, touching, leaning into someone, hugging and more. If someone touched you in a way that was unwanted, inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, you could be a victim.
What should you do if you experience harassment at work?
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you will not want to delay in getting the help you deserve. A Florida employment law attorney can help you proceed with the most appropriate course of action, including filing a civil claim against your employer and other liable parties. You may feel unsure, ashamed or afraid after experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, but you do not have to face it alone.
