What is sexual harassment?

It is illegal to harass an employee because of that person’s sex.  According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this unlawful sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

Mere teasing or isolated comments/incidents that are relatively minor do not rise to the level of illegal sexual harassment. Harassment becomes unlawful when the conduct and/or statements become so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment action (for example, firing, demoting, or suspending the victim).

Talk with a sexual harassment lawyer to maximize your potential damages. If you have experienced workplace discrimination or whistleblower retaliation, call us at (202) 769-1681, or start your preliminary consultation online.