What Constitutes Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take a variety of forms. The person harassing a worker does not necessarily have to be a supervisor or co-worker. Often, companies are held responsible for knowingly allowing a customer to sexually harass a server in a restaurant or a customer service employee at the company.

At the law office of Philip Taubman , we draw on experience to fight for the rights of harassment victims in New York. You do not have to face your employer alone. Our trial lawyers will stand strong to help you take control of the situation and protect your rights.

What is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?

Quid pro quo essentially translates to “this for that.” In these situations the evidence typically involves a supervisor, manager, business owner or co-worker requesting sexual favors from a worker in exchange for something else. In some cases a worker will be threatened with the loss of his or her job, a demotion or an adverse job assignment. In other situations a victim may be offered a raise in pay or promotion in quid pro quo harassment. Each circumstance is unlawful.

What Constitutes a Sexually Hostile Work Environment?

A hostile work environment can involve a wide variety of offensive conduct. Unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, groping or sexually charged leering from a customer or co-worker can create a hostile workplace. Employers who know of pervasive sexually charged language, jokes, innuendo or the open circulation of sexual images at work can be held accountable for allowing sexual harassment in the workplace. If you are required to attend professional business meetings in unprofessional environments, such as an adult establishment, you may be the victim of harassment.

Both men and women can be victims of workplace harassment. Moreover, sexual harassment does not always involve sexually explicit conduct. If an employer, supervisor, co-worker or customer is allowed to make frequent and derogatory gender-based remarks, the law provides harassment protection. For instance, offensive statements about women in general may constitute sexual harassment.

Call to Get Started on Protecting Your Rights

If you have suffered sexually charged jokes, unwanted advances or have experienced harassment in the workplace based upon your gender or sexual orientation, we can help. To arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your situation, send us a message online now or call 212-227-8140. We represent individuals throughout the state of New York, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Long Island and Westchester.