Sexual Harassment

Some common Sexual Harassment facts:

• The harasser can be your co-worker, your boss, an agent of your employer or a non-employee.

• Men and women are sexually harassed.

• The harasser does not have to be from the opposite sex.

• You do not have to be the one being harassed to be a victim. Anyone affected by the offensive conduct may have a claim.

• You can be a victim of harassment without being terminated or suffering economic harm.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature is considered harassment. More specifically, "any conduct of a sexual nature constitutes maltreatment when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment". Including but not limited to:

• Repeated and unwanted sexual advances

• Distasteful jokes, gestures or comments of a sexual nature

• Unwelcome flirting

• Displaying of sexually-suggestive objects or pictures

• Unwanted bodily contact, including impeding or blocking movements

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. There are two distinct types, the most common is known as "quid pro quo", which means "this for that". An example would be if an employer propositions you and threatens to terminate you if you don't comply.

The other type is known as "hostile environment". Harassment that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile or abusive work environment. An example of "hostile environment" would be a coworker that continuously touches you inappropiately, or constantly uses language that you find offensive.

Sexual Harassment is not only demeaning and upsetting to a victim it is also illegal. The harasser needs to be held accountable for thier actions. If you believe that you are a victim, contact the Connecticut sexual harassment lawyers at the VanDerLaan Law Group today. We have extensive experience litigating sexual harassment claims and we can help you.

With offices in Hartford and Southbury, we are prepared to handle matters throughout the State. If you can't come to us, we will come to you.