Signs of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, man or woman. However, recognizing that you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual harassment can be difficult because the signs are not always obvious. Harassment does not exclusively involve inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in the workplace. It may involve offensive remarks about someone’s sex, such as making offensive comments about “women.” Thus, while it can include such blatant behavior as a coworker requesting sexual favors, it can also include a supervisor simply making lewd jokes.

At Marshall, Forman & Schlein, we have successfully represented many Columbus, Ohio, clients who experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. If you suspect that you have been the victim of this type of behavior, it is worth speaking with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer in order to find out more about your options. 

Inappropriate Conduct Based on Gender or Sexual Orientation

One of the key signs of sexual harassment based on inappropriate conduct involving gender or sexual orientation can involve one employee or supervisor targeting someone based on their gender, sex, or sexual orientation. If this individual engaging in the harassment continues to make disparaging, demeaning, humiliating, or rude remarks based on the other worker’s gender, sex, or sexual orientation, the recipient is a victim of sexual harassment. 

Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Harassment

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee who reports complaints about harassment. Ohio workers are protected from being punished for asserting their rights to be free from harassment. Sadly, even though many – if not most – employers have policies prohibiting sexual harassment, these policies often go unenforced. 

Sexual References, Jokes, or Language

This includes sexually explicit remarks, comments, gestures, jokes, noises, and other behavior that is inappropriate for the workplace. If someone is subjected to this behavior, they become a victim of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

Also note that just because an employee works remotely does not mean that they also cannot become a victim of sexual harassment. Harassment can occur outside of both the physical workplace and regular work hours. 

Unwanted Physical Contact

This is the most severe form of sexual harassment and often includes grabbing, hugging, kissing, patting, pinching, touching, and more

Unwelcome Requests for Romantic or Sexual Activity

This involves employers or their agents (such as supervisors and other employees) making or demanding sexual favors in exchange for workplace benefits. For example, if a supervisor demands that an employee accompany them on a date or risk being terminated, or offering a promotion in exchange for going on a date, that is likely harassment. This is considered to be “quid pro quo” sexual harassment, and it is illegal. 

Contact Our Columbus, Ohio, Sexual Harassment Lawyers

You have the right to be free from sexual harassment at work, and we are here to provide you with guidance if you have concerns that your rights have been violated. Know that this also includes any potential retaliatory actions that could be taken against you after reporting such behavior. Contact our Columbus, Ohio, sexual harassment attorneys today to find out more about your rights and our services.