Let Our Iowa And Nebraska Sexual Harassment Lawyers Help You Reassert Your Rights
Although America has made a lot of progress when it comes to pushing back against sexual harassment, the problem still feels overwhelming. Harassment is especially common on the job, making going to work worse for everyone and leading to a hostile work environment. While women are the most frequent targets, anyone can become a victim of sexual harassment.
If you no longer feel safe at your workplace in Iowa or Nebraska because of sexual harassment, contact our attorneys at Fiedler Law Firm, P.L.C. We are a woman-owned practice, and our highly respected lawyers only represent workers – not employers. As a client, you will be heard, believed and supported. Our legal team will do everything we can to help you achieve justice and regain your dignity.
You Deserve A Safe Work Environment
Courts have become more demanding about how severe and frequent behavior has to be in order to qualify as sexual harassment. It would surprise many to learn that workplace conduct that would have been illegal 15 years ago is now considered acceptable. This change has been made largely out of the public eye.
Research and experience show that women commonly face sexual harassment. Although men are sexually harassed, it is less common. Sexual harassment is among the leading causes of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among American women. People react differently to harassment, and how deeply they are affected often depends on the employer’s response.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of women never file any sort of a complaint regarding sexual harassment. But it is important to report it to your employer – and to keep reporting, even if it doesn’t seem to be doing any good. Speak to your supervisor, your supervisor’s boss, to human resources and to any available corporate hotline. Reports in writing are best, particularly by email because it creates a record of dates and times you complained. Make copies of your complaints and keep them at home. Under some circumstances, employers may escape legal responsibility for harassment if you cannot prove you reported it.
If you are experiencing sexual harassment, get advice from someone you trust and who has the experience to help you navigate the situation. A qualified attorney can help you lessen your chances of facing retaliation.
Examples Of Sexual Harassment
Many types of behaviors constitute sexual harassment in the workplace, including:
- Unwelcome sexual advances or threats
- Using vulgar or sexually suggestive language
- Showing or displaying pornography, including swimsuit calendars
- Sending dirty emails
- Making fun of women’s body parts or menstruation
- Talking about sexual experiences
- Physical assaults
- Bullying based on gender
- Messages that certain genders are unwelcome in the workplace
The examples listed above fall into the category of “hostile work environment.” The other category of sexual harassment, known as “quid pro quo,” occurs when the harasser offers work-related benefits in exchange for sexual favors or threatens work-related punishment if the victim doesn’t agree to sexual favors.
Are You Protected From Retaliation If You Report Sexual Harassment In The Workplace?
One reason that many victims are afraid to come forward is fear that they will face retaliation (punishment or revenge) for reporting the harassment. This is especially a problem if the harasser is high up in the company. Unfortunately, retaliation is common, and those who report harassment often face pay cuts, unfavorable changes in hours, loss of work hours, transfers, poor treatment and even firing. You should know that workplace retaliation is illegal under both federal and state law, and it can be an additional claim brought in an employment lawsuit.
Common Sexual Harassment Scenarios And Questions You May Have
Clients often come to us describing their own experiences and seeking an informed opinion from one of our sexual harassment attorneys. We’ve included some of those scenarios and attorney responses below.
Scenario one: “I am a man who is being harassed by another man. Is it possible to be sexually harassed by someone of the same gender?”
Attorney response: Yes. It’s a little harder to prove, but it happens. Sometimes this occurs because the harasser is gay or lesbian, but not always. The law only requires that part of the reason you were singled out is because of sex or gender.
Scenario two: “I know from past experience, and from what I’ve seen others go through, that complaining to HR is not going to do any good, and it might even lead to me getting fired. What’s the point in reporting the harassment?”
Attorney response: Make the complaint! It may not help immediately, and it may make things worse for now. But if you don’t complain, the employer can later argue that they never had the chance to fix it. That argument may allow them to escape legal responsibility. If you’re still nervous, contact us. We can give you advice and support.
Scenario three: “The HR representative investigating my complaint keeps asking me what I want to have happen to the harasser. Is it really my job to tell them how to fix this?”
Attorney response: No. It’s their job and they can’t put that responsibility on you. If there are particular remedies you want, feel free to ask for them, but it’s a good idea to get legal advice first.
Scenario four: “My boss treats everyone terribly no matter if they’re men or women. Can that be sexual harassment?”
Attorney response: Maybe. Does he single one sex out for worse treatment? Does he use sex- or gender-based slurs against one sex that he doesn’t use toward the other sex?
Scenario five: “I was sexually assaulted by a co-worker, and my employer says they can’t do anything since it happened outside the workplace. Is that true?”
Attorney response: No. Your employer has a duty to protect you from further assaults and from having to work near or with your assaulter. You should also consider getting a no-contact order and reporting this to the police.
Scenario six: “I am the only man in a small office. The ladies are always teasing me that I’m not dating anyone. It has become a big joke that it’s because my penis is small. What can I do?”
Attorney response: This is sexual harassment. You should report their behavior immediately. If it doesn’t stop or if you experience retaliation, consider filing a civil rights complaint or getting a lawyer.
Discuss Your Legal Options With A Des Moines Sexual Harassment Lawyer In An Initial Consultation
Fiedler Law Firm has conveniently located and welcoming offices in Johnston, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska. We serve clients throughout both states. To schedule your initial consultation, call our Johnston, Iowa office today at 515-303-8210 or our Omaha, Nebraska office at 402-281-3501. You can also reach us by submitting an online contact form.