Hollywood Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Hollywood Sexual Harassment Attorney

Experiencing sexual harassment can have a deep impact on both your personal and professional life. Those affected may be left feeling emotionally depleted while also not knowing how to handle the situation, especially in fear of retaliation. A Hollywood sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Choosing The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., our Hollywood employment lawyers understand how serious sexual harassment is and how it can affect your life. We are here to help you fight for your rights. We are passionate about helping clients in Hollywood, Florida hold responsible parties accountable.

We have practiced extensively in Broward County, and we are knowledgeable about the courthouse procedures at the Broward County Courthouse. Michelle’s solo advocacy has earned her awards like “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and placement among the nation’s top 1% of attorneys. We’re committed to supporting you through every step of your process to achieve an appropriate resolution. Testimonials from past clients reflect her commitment and results.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is sexual discrimination that is unlawful. This is particularly unlawful at work according to both state and federal statutes. It is so frequent and severe that it creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. These behaviors could include sexual advances that are not wanted, unwanted and inappropriate physical touching, and asking for sexual favors. Two types of harassment of a sexual nature are a hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment.

Quid pro quo harassment happens when someone who holds a position of authority, such as a supervisor, offers employment benefits, such as a raise or promotion, in exchange for some type of sexual favor. This also includes threats of unfavorable treatment for refusal, such as demotion or termination. For quid pro quo harassment to occur, it must involve a party who has the authority to make these types of employment decisions over an employee.

On the contrary, a hostile work environment can be initiated by anyone at work, such as an employee, peer, coworker, or even a third party, such as a subcontractor. In these cases, one party performs sexual conduct that is pervasive enough to create an intimidating atmosphere and have an effect on a person’s work performance.

In a hostile work environment, the behavior does not have to be overtly sexual, such as telling crude jokes or sharing sexual material, but the behavior must be frequent and severe enough to negatively impact the victim’s ability to do their job. Persistent workplace teasing that creates an abusive atmosphere can qualify if it substantially interferes with job performance.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

It’s important to note that employers have a responsibility to prevent workplace sexual harassment, and when it does occur, they must take immediate steps to stop it from happening. If they fail to do so, they can be held legally liable for its occurrence. Knowing the signs of sexual harassment can help victims seek justice. Some common examples of sexual harassment include:

• A manager promises an employee a promotion if they agree to a date.
• Someone touches, gropes, or kisses an employee without their permission, especially repeated offenses after being asked to stop.
• Someone excessively comments on one’s body.
• Someone sends inappropriate emails at work.

Between fiscal years 2018 and 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 27,291 complaints of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment charges made up 27.7% of all harassment charges in this timeframe, and 78.2% of these charges were filed by women.

While this does point to a disproportionate occurrence of sexual harassment toward women, it’s important to note that men can also be sexually harassed at work, and sexual harassment can occur within the same gender. This mirrors the legal elements of a sexual harassment case, where power dynamics play a critical role.

How to Report Sexual Harassment

Reporting sexual harassment can feel scary and overwhelming, but knowing the steps to take can make the process go smoother. You are legally protected from retaliation from your employer for reporting harassing behaviors, and there are many ways you can seek justice. To report sexual harassment:

• File a complaint internally with your employer’s Human Resources Department. It is recommended that you do this in writing so you have proof of communication.
• Document all communication.
• If your employer fails to act, file a complaint with external services, such as the EEOC.
• Pursue legal action. The EEOC may provide you with a Notice of Right to Sue letter, which gives you the right to file a claim. A lawyer can help you understand your options.

In general, you need to file a charge within 180 calendar days from the day the discrimination took place. The 180 calendar day filing deadline is extended to 300 calendar days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis

FAQs

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., Today

If you were the victim of sexual harassment, you can hold the responsible party accountable. The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can help. Contact us today to begin fighting for your rights and future.