You have the right to a workplace free of sexual harassment. If you find yourself the target of lewd or suggestive comments, or if there is a co-worker who is touching you inappropriately, you should not fear asking that the behavior stop. Sexual instant messages, inappropriate postings on company sites, or displaying sexual posters in break rooms all can create an uncomfortable and actionable situation. Males and females alike can be victimized no matter their age or position at work.
Some things you can do if you believe you are being sexually harassed
If you believe you are being subjected to sexual harassment in your workplace do not be afraid to do the following:
- Confront your harasser and inform the person to stop the unwelcome conduct. Sometimes victims are not comfortable with confrontation. In this case, make a record of each time the harassing behavior occurs and go to human resources or a supervisor.
- Review your employee handbook for policies and procedures that relate to sexual harassment. If a procedure is set out, follow it. You can speak to your supervisor or to Human Resources about what to do to file a complaint.
- Put your complaint in writing and deliver it to the appropriate party to start an investigation. Your employer should immediately begin the process of investigation and should put a stop to illegal harassment. If you do not get a response quickly, contact an attorney about how to proceed next.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the senior managing partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
