Phoenix Sexual Harassment Lawyer
About Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is an ever present dilemma in employment situations. Harassment can occur in between many different people in a variety of different environments. Although the increased availability of information over the years has helped professional individuals to come to a better understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, a common misconception still exists that only women can be the victims of sexual discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace. Another misperception is that inappropriate sexual conduct is only propagated by male supervisors. Regardless of gender, if you have been the victim of sexual harassment, the skilled attorneys at Gillespie, Shields & Durrant will help fight for your rights.
Male Victims of Sexual Harassment
Many people are still of the mistaken understanding that only women can be the subjects of sexual harassment. Every year, over 15,000 cases of sexual harassment are brought before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). According to official EEOC statistics, in recent years, the percentage of sexual harassment complaints filed by males has more than tripled. As of today, around 11% of harassment claims are filed by men reporting inappropriate conduct by female supervisors.
An example of this principle may be found in a recent experience we had at Gillespie, Shields & Durrant. An individual come into our office who expressed the need to discuss a recent problem he'd been having at work. He was uncertain as to whether or not he had a legal claim, but said he felt really uncomfortable about certain comments his female boss had made to him. He stated that she had frequently made inappropriate jokes with sexual overtones, and would also occasionally share anecdotes with him that described her sexual exploits outside of work. He felt self-conscious, worrying that "as a man," he ought not to feel uncomfortable. His co-workers were unsupportive, laughing and telling him he should consider himself "lucky."
When one person makes another person feel uncomfortable with sexually offensive behavior, there is a basis for claims of sexual harassment, regardless of the gender of either person involved. In situations where the harasser is in a position of authority like a managerial role, this unacceptable behavior is especially likely to lead to liability for the company in addition to the offending individual himself (or herself).
Lawyers Helping Male & Female Sexual Harassment Victims in Phoenix
Companies need to provide employees with several avenues for reporting situations of harassment, not simply talking to a manager. In some cases, employees might even be expected to report their harassment issues to the very same manager who had made the inappropriate remarks. Employees need to be able to feel comfortable coming forward with these issues. If you have experienced sexual harassment at your place of employment, and the harassment persists despite repeated requests that it stop, you should explore whether your workplace has an official policy on sexual harassment, and then seek legal counsel. You can and should consult a competent Phoenix sexual harassment attorney regardless of whether or not you intend to file an official claim. Talking to a lawyer can be reassuring, providing you with all your options for addressing the problem, whether internally within the company or legally in the courtroom. At Gillespie, Shields & Durrant, our well-trained lawyers will help you regain your peace of mind.
If you are uncomfortable with a situation in your work environment, contact one of our Phoenix sexual harassment attorneys at Gillespie, Shields & Durrant to discuss your options. Sexual discrimination and harassment is illegal: you do not have to tolerate it.
