Sexual Harassment Attorneys Columbus Ohio

Employees have the right to feel safe and comfortable at work without having to face sexual harassment. And while sexual harassment is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it does still occur. There are plenty of workplaces that take the necessary steps to ensure that their employees do not face harassment, while other workplaces allow sexual harassment to go unaddressed.

If you have felt harassed by unwanted sexual advances by your coworkers or supervisors, it can be prudent to seek out the assistance of workplace sexual harassment lawyers near you. The Friedmann Firm is dedicated to holding employers accountable for failing to address sexual harassment in the workplace.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed at someone on the basis of gender or sex.  Sexual harassment can take many forms including unwanted touching, sexual comments, groping, sexual assault, derogatory jokes, demanding sexual favors in exchange for keeping a job, a promotion, or any other term or condition of employment, and many others. The Columbus Ohio sexual harassment lawyers at our firm can answer any questions you have about what constitutes sexual harassment.

Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is egregious and commonly known as a criminal offense, however, it is also a form of sexual harassment under Title VII. Sexual assault is any form of physical touching against one’s will. Sexual assault refers to physical sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the victim’s consent. Some examples are:

• Groping or fondling
• Forcing someone to perform a sexual act or performing a sexual act on that person against their will
• Attempted rape
• Requests for sexual favors

Sexual harassment can also take form in other subtle acts as well such as repeatedly complimenting an employee’s appearance, sending sexually explicit messages, asking sexual questions about the employee’s preferences and sex life, and spreading sexually based rumors about others in the workplace.

Sexual assault is often a violation of criminal statutes. When sexual assault happens at work, it is important to consult with an attorney to determine whether your employer can be held liable for the sexual assault and harassment.

Different Types of Sexual Harassment Cases We Handle

Our attorneys handle a wide range of cases that fall under the sexual harassment umbrella. Different types of cases we take on include:

Here at The Friedmann Firm, our team is experienced in handling all types of sexual harassment cases, and our team is comprised of aggressive advocates for victims of sexual assault in the workplace. If you have been looking for an attorney to address sexual harassment or unwanted physical contact in the workplace, please connect with us today.

What should I do if I am being sexually harassed?

• Document what is happening, however, you can.  You can take notes in a notebook, tell a friend or coworker, and keep any proof of sexual harassment or sexual assault that you may have.  Do NOT delete any proof of the sexual harassment or sexual assault, like text messages, photos, any evidence on social media, or any recordings you may have.
• Notify your employer immediately, both orally and in writing.  You can also review the sexual harassment policy to understand how your employer wants you to report concerns related to sexual harassment.
• Keep a record of when you told your employer about the harassment and document what was reported.  It is vital that you be able to prove you told your employer.
• Contact a lawyer for sexual harassment at work. A lawyer will be able to look over the details of your case and help determine the best next steps.

If you experience sexual harassment or sexual assault in the workplace, having a Columbus sexual harassment lawyer on your side can be of the utmost importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am being harassed by someone of the same sex?

This is still sexual harassment, as long as it the harassment is based on gender or sex.

If you are unsure, consult with a workplace sexual harassment lawyer near you such as The Friedmann Firm.

What types of sexual harassment exist in the workplace?

Sexual harassment can take many forms, as described above, so always speak with a Columbus sexual harassment lawyer. But some examples include;

• Co-worker sexual harassment
• Harassment by a manager or supervisor
• Harassment by a manager or supervisor that is considered “quid pro quo,” often manifests as requesting that you perform sexual favors or sexual acts to keep a job, be promoted, etc.

Other examples include jokes referring to sexual acts or sexual orientation, showing someone pornography or naked photos at work and discussing sex generally, including sexual fantasies or sexual partners.  If the conduct or comments are sexual in nature and it makes you uncomfortable, it could be sexual harassment.

Should I quit my job if I am being sexually harassed?

Consult with a Columbus sexual harassment lawyer before you resign. An attorney that is well-versed in sexual harassment law can advise you as to how to handle the situation. If you quit your job without informing your employer that you have been a victim of sexual harassment, this can sometimes prevent you from collecting damages if you file a lawsuit. Speak with an employment lawyer for sexual harassment at work to determine the best course of action.

What if my employer retaliates against me and terminates me for reporting sexual harassment?

Retaliating against someone for reporting sexual harassment is unlawful. Reporting sexual harassment is considered a “protected activity” and once you engage in it, you are protected by law from retaliation. If your employer has a sexual harassment policy, it should state that retaliation is prohibited.

Why should I work with an attorney for workplace sexual harassment?

When you experience sexual harassment at work, you may be unsure of what steps to take next, and you may be afraid of retaliation for reporting the harassment. Connecting with an employment attorney regarding any harassment you have experienced will help you take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your rights under the law.
An experienced Columbus sexual harassment lawyer from our firm will be able to:

• Explain your rights to you
• Analyze the details of your situation and advise you on the next steps
• Ensure that you are following the correct steps to report the harassment (your workplace may have certain policies that require you to report the harassment to human resources or another individual)
• Help to gather relevant evidence to prove your claims
• Provide you with experienced legal representation throughout your case
• Provide aggressive advocacy during the stressful legal process

Contact Our Top Rated Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Based in Columbus, Ohio, our sexual harassment lawyers never back down and will fight for you. Call us at 614-610-9755 today to schedule a free consultation. We have handled the most egregious situations involving sexual harassment, and our goal is to shield you from the stress and anxiety that comes with being sexually harassed or assaulted while working to obtain the most favorable outcome.