Some Facts About Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Despite the popular belief, many forms of sexual harassment do not involve any form of physical contact or blatant sexual advances. One way employers may be able to reduce or possibly prevent sexual harassment in the workplace is by offering up-to-date information and training on what does and does not constitute such harassment.

The following facts demonstrate the prevalence and severity of this issue:

• In 2009, 17,680 employment discrimination complaints were filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
• Of those, 3,839 of the employment discrimination complaints were for sexual harassment — meaning sexual harassment complaints accounted for almost 22 percent of all employment discrimination complaints in 2009.
• Employers are required by law to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the workplace.
• Sexual harassment cases are generally divided into two categories: hostile work environment cases and quid pro quo cases.
• According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 84 percent of sexual harassment charges in 2009 in the United States were filed by females and 16 percent by males.

If you suffer from sexual harassment in the workplace, you aren’t just another statistic. With the guidance and advice of an experienced employment law attorney, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer.