Types of Illegal Workplace Sexual Harassment that make up a Hostile Environment at Work
Sexual harassment comes in a variety of behaviors, some of which may be more subtle, but all of them are a violation of your rights, including:
- Dirty jokes and lewd language
- Sexual content posted on walls and computer screens
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment, such as a request for sexual favours in exchange for an employment benefit
- Sexual favouritism
- Leering, suggestive looks
- Inappropriate touching, unwelcome physical proximity
- Denied promotions because of your sex or sexual orientation
- Denied or reduced pay raises
- Unwelcome phone calls, e-mails and text messaging
How Do You Cope With a Violation of Your Rights?
Victims of sexual harassment may feel conflicting emotions. On the one hand, they may feel anger, disgust and loss of self-esteem and respect. On the other hand, they may feel afraid and anxious about the possibility of losing their jobs; especially if the CEO, the owner or manager of the company where they work is the person harassing them.
Many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace fear that reporting the matter will result in retaliation. Perhaps their boss will demote them, give them a poor work performance evaluation, or simply fire them. Worse yet, victims may fear that no one will believe them (e.g., “You’re just being paranoid!!!”).
You Don’t Have to Tolerate Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you’ve been sexually harassed in the workplace, the employment and labor attorneys at The Cromer Law Group PLLC want you to know your civil rights. There is legal recourse. You have a right to stand up against inappropriate conduct. You don’t have to suffer physical and emotional distress at work. Consult with a lawyer about filing a lawsuit on your behalf. Know your employment rights!
Are you feeling the mental stress that comes with any form of sexual harassment or discrimination?
- n appropriate touching
- Sexually explicit jokes, language, phone calls or e-mails
- Denied promotion or job opportunities
- Demands for a date or sexual favors in return for something, quid pro quo sexual harassment
- Retaliation or hostile work environment
Both Michigan and federal law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. In Michigan, if a manager engages in sexual harassment or discrimination against an employee under their direct supervision, the company may be held liable. Furthermore, it is against the law for employers to retaliate against you because you complain about sexual harassment or discrimination.
Target of Sexual Notes, E-Mails or Texts at Work
E-mail, networks and wireless technologies have expanded work-related communication, but have also made it easier than ever to be sexually harassed by a co-worker or supervisor, sometimes anonymously.
Victims often suffer needlessly because they aren’t sure what constitutes sexual harassment or how to assert their rights. Instead, they put up with demeaning or threatening behavior until it affects their work performance, their health, and other facets of work and personal life.
We can determine if sexual notes and other communications are actionable as sexual harassment. This may include communications with sexual come-ons, stalking behavior, pornographic images, sexual jokes or explicit language:
- E-mail or instant message (IM)
- Phone calls and voicemail messages
- Text messages to your cellphone or Blackberry“Sexting” of nude or pornographic pictures
- Post-it notes or computer printouts with sexual messages
- Other work-related communications
- Postings on Facebook and social media
The defense (employer/harasser) will try to show that the victim was not offended or willingly participated. We know that victims often go along with offensive behavior rather than confront a supervisor or “make waves.” The aggressive employment attorneys at The Cromer Law Group PLLC, work harder to focus on offensive behavior that goes too far and how the employer and the harasser responded after a formal complaint of harassment has been made.
Work-Related Online Sexual Harassment:
The line between work and personal life is increasingly blurred, especially with the advent of social medial such as (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and 24/7 connectivity via text messaging. You can be the victim of work-related sexual harassment even when you or your harasser is not physically present at the workplace or on duty.
Have you been sexually harassed by a co-worker, supervisor or employer via Facebook, Internet chat room, cellphone or other social media? We vigorously and aggressively represent employees across the metro Detroit, Oakland, Wayne or Macomb County, and all of southeastern Michigan, in lawsuits for damages. Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation – call 248-809-6790.
Online sexual harassment can be extremely stressful and scary. The harasser can post messages or sexualized images at any time, sometimes anonymously or by posing as someone else. Such harassment tends to be more aggressive, explicit or vicious in nature.
It is important not to engage with the person by responding, especially in a way that sounds like you are condoning or downplaying the behavior. You can let them know that you have a boyfriend or spouse. You can also say, “Please don’t text or write to me like this.”
It is also imperative to preserve evidence and get legal help. Attorney Ronnie E. Cromer, Jr., and his knowledge and compassionate legal team will walk you through the steps to document and report online sexual harassment so that we can hold the harasser and the employer accountable.
Electronic or online harassment may include derogatory terms and sexual language, sexual come-ons, spreading lies or nasty comments about you, sending nude or pornographic images to you, posting embarrassing photos of you online, stalking behavior, or threats of violence:
- Postings on Facebook or other social media sites
- Posting in online chat rooms
- Texting of harassing messages to your cellphone
- “Sexting” of obscene images
- Harassment via your personal or work e-mail accounts
It does not matter if the behavior is outside of work hours or away from the workplace. If someone you work with or work for is harassing you, the employer has an obligation to make it stop and to protect you. We are here to make sure your complaints are taken seriously and to see that you get the justice you deserve. Remember The Cromer Law Group PLLC motto: “Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied.” Know your employment rights!
Are You Subjected to Sexual Pictures at Work
In a bygone era, “sexy” pictures may have been tolerated in the workplace. Today they are recognized as outright pornography or images that degrade and objectify women and reinforce outdated gender roles and unfair stereotypes. This leads to a hostile work environment in which you feel anxious, uncomfortable or intimidated. It also fosters an environment in which other forms of sexual harassment are allowed to gain traction.
We can determine whether the sexualized images you have been exposed to constitute sexual harassment. We can help you document the behavior and what action is taken by your employer if co-workers or a supervisor have subjected you to sexual pictures.
- Centerfolds or nude pictures
- “Cheesecake” calendars or posters
- Pornographic depictions (photos or cartoons)
- Sexual pictures sent to your work computer or phone
- Other offensive images of a sexual nature
Have you been exposed to nude or sexually explicit pictures at work in the metro Detroit, Oakland, Wayne, or Macomb County, Michigan? We will aggressively and vigorously protect your rights and pursue any entitled compensation.