According to California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), sexual harassment is an inappropriate sexually suggestive advance toward an individual in the workplace. Sexual harassment can be verbal or physical and while sexual harassment frequently occurs in a work setting between people with professional relations, it may also occur when the perpetrator is the victim’s therapist, physician, professor, or landlord.

Since sexual harassment can come indirectly or directly through offending or intimidating sexual jokes, some victims may notice it while others may not. Here’s a list of five common things you might be missing about sexual harassment in California:

Anyone Can Be a Victim Regardless of Gender

California laws protect everyone from sexual discrimination despite their gender. Most people tend to believe that sexual harassment only occurs to women, but both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment. Some people also believe that same-sex sexual harassment should not be taken seriously, but that’s not the case. Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of their sexual orientation.

What to Do If You Are a Victim

Different people respond differently to sexual harassment. Sometimes the reactions depend on the individual’s level of tolerance, experience, and personality. However, no form of sexual harassment should be taken lightly. If you are a victim of sexual harassment, it may be challenging to know what to do. Additionally, you might feel embarrassed or unsure if your claims will be met with compassion rather than scrutiny. To ensure that your sexual harassment case is handled professionally and effectively, seek the help of Santa Monica sexual harassment attorneys.

Employee Promotion or Regression Due To Sexual Harassment 

You necessarily don’t need to have missed a promotion opportunity or have been demoted or fired to prove the occurrence of sexual harassment. The bottom line is that sexual harassment should not be grounds for career advancement or regression, regardless of the situation.

Sexual Harassment Can Be Indirect

Indirect sexual harassment happens when a secondary victim feels uncomfortable or offended by the sexual conduct of other people. It may also occur if another person’s preferential treatment of another adversely affects a secondary victim. The misconduct can be written, auditory, or visual.

Victims of Sexual Harassment Are Entitled to Compensation

If you have been fired or missed out on promotional opportunities for failing to assent to sexual advances, you may be entitled to recover compensation. If you or your loved one is a victim of sexual harassment, you have several legal options to pursue compensation; at the employer, federal, or state levels. Filing a sexual harassment claim involves complex legal strategies, so you should always work with an experienced Santa Monica sexual harassment attorney.

Contact Our Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today

The sexual harassment attorneys at Schwimer Weinstein will help you find a legal recourse if you have directly or indirectly experienced sexual harassment. Contact us online or call us at (310) 957-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team and get the assistance you need.