Sexual harassment of employees is sex discrimination. It is against the law. Someone who has been sexually harassed can sue his or her employer to recover damages for lost wages, emotional distress, medical costs and punitive damages. There are two types of sexual harassment which occur in the workplace:
1. Harassment which "severe and pervasive" resulting in a hostile work environment.
2. The request for sexual favors in exchange for changes in employment which is called "quid pro quo". Examples of this is when a supervisor demands sex in exchange for a more favorable job assignment or as a condition of hire.
Employers can be held responsible for the sexual harassment of their employees by co-employees and by supervisors depending upon the circumstances.
If you or someone you knows has been subjected to sexual harrassment at work, you should call an attorney for a consultation as soon as possible. Valuable rights can be lost if a claim is not timely filed.
