Tampa Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Not only can unwelcome sexual advances and harassing behavior be very uncomfortable in the workplace, but such behaviors are also a violation of a person’s right to work in a workplace that is free from sex discrimination. If you are a person who has been sexually harassed at work, you may be able to bring forth a workplace sexual harassment case. Before you move forward, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our Tampa sexual harassment lawyers at the law offices of de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?

As explained by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), sexual harassment, in a very general sense, refers to unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct. It is important to note that the behavior does nothave to be sexual in nature for it to constitute sexual harassment; comments about a person’s gender (sex) that are unwelcome can also constitute sexual harassment. Further, a victim is not limited to just the person who is being harassed, but also any observer who is affected by the harassing conduct. 

Is Workplace Sexual Harassment Illegal?

Yes – sexual harassment in the workplace is both completely inappropriate and a direct violation of a person’s right to work in a discrimination-free environment, as stipulated by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The website of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that Title VII applies to all employers in the United States with 15 or more employees.

What Should I Do If I Am Being Sexually Harassed at Work?

If you are being sexually harassed at work, it is important that you know your rights, including your right to speak up about the harassment and express your discomfort. Your course of action should look something like this:

• Take notes about the harassing behaviors, and include important details like dates, times, and locations. Write down the names of any people who were in the room or whom you told about the harassing behavior.
• Consult your workplace employee handbook. There may be details within it about who to talk to if you are experiencing harassment, such as reporting the behavior to a supervisor or HR manager. If you feel comfortable doing so, you should talk directly to the harasser, a supervisor, or/and an HR manager about the behavior and your wishes for it to stop.
• Speak to an EEOC counselor about your experience. If you decide to file a complaint, you will need to do so within 180 days of the date of harassment, so it is important that you start the process immediately.
• Call an attorney. While you are not required to have an attorney to file a complaint with the EEOC, working with a lawyer familiar in sexual harassment law and dedicated to your case can prove helpful. An attorney can assist you in understanding all of your options and represent you during the process.

Our Tampa Sexual Harassment Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment, don’t hesitate to take action. The statute of limitations is running out, so it is important that you act quickly. Our skilled lawyers can provide you with the representation you need – call our Tampa sexual harassment lawyers directly or send us a message to get started.