What A Sexual Harassment Lawyer Can Do To Protect Your Rights At Work
An astounding 82 percent of women and about 42 percent of all men said they have been sexually harassed or assaulted during their lifetime. The 2024 #MeToo Report found this by studying more than 3,300 individuals aged 18 years and older across America. Emotions induced by sexual harassment at the workplace include helplessness, loneliness, and confusion. Sexual harassment lawyers usually fight for the interests of victims by preserving their rights and bringing justice to them.
According to sexual harassment lawyer Samuel D. Almon, sexual harassment includes unwanted touching or sexual advances, sexually charged jokes or comments, repeating romantic propositions, and sharing or showing offensive materials or pictures.
A sexual harassment attorney will appraise your case, build up evidence, and assist you in filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a state agency. They might negotiate matters outside of court or might represent you if the matter is to be taken into the courts. The most important thing is that they advocate for your interests and encourage you to report instances of abuse without worries of any form of retaliation.
This article will show the role of a sexual harassment lawyer in safeguarding the rights of employees at work.
Understanding Your Rights and Protections
Employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment and unjust treatment.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act allows anyone to submit complaints if they are harassed sexually. The employer must weigh the seriousness of your complaint and have it investigated.
The contents of your report must be treated as confidential. Retaliation is illegal and you could sue your company or the person who initiates it against you.
Knowing your rights is a great confidence booster to help you proceed and file a sexual harassment claim. You'd know what to do if you were sexually harassed.
Collecting Evidence and Building Your Case
A strong piece of evidence consists of writing down the date, time, place, and names of witnesses for each occurrence of sexual harassment.
These records should document any illegal conversation or even state the exact words spoken or acted upon. Add any emails, texts, chats, or messages that might provide proof of the harassment too.
Obtain the statements from people who might have witnessed the incident. These testimonies are highly valuable to a sexual harassment lawyer.
Once you have been harassed, do not wait to speak to a sexual harassment attorney. Early consultation allows for evidence to be uncovered and will help your legal position greatly.
Going Through the Legal Process
Filing a sexual harassment complaint can be really stressful and frightening, so knowing the steps to avoid some added trouble helps.
File a complaint with the concerned agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Your lawyer can guarantee that the paperwork is done properly.
After you file the complaint, the agency may institute an investigation into your allegations. Keep in mind that mediation may be proposed to settle the dispute between the parties without involving the court.
If mediation fails, your lawyer will help you meet deadlines.
Stay organized in your communication and maintain constant dialogue with your attorney. Working closely with your lawyer will make the legal process easier.
Representing You in Negotiations and Court
The filing of a complaint, possibly followed by mediation, is when an attorney steps in to represent you in negotiations and court.
An attorney will defend your rights and assist you in negotiations or discussions with your employer or their lawyer. Your attorney will collect the evidence and prepare the necessary arguments to support your claims.
Your lawyer will work to come to a fair settlement worthy of your pain and losses during negotiations. If settlement fails, your lawyer will defend your case with evidence and call witnesses to the witness stand.
Providing Emotional Support and Resources
Sexual harassment is a serious issue, but with a lawyer, you know you're not alone. The attorney understands all emotional layers and will be with you as a source of strength.
You may be referred to a therapist or support group to help you process your feelings. They will hear your worries, affirm them, and give you back your sense of control.
Your lawyer is representing you and providing you with tools to help you with any legal or emotional pains. You deserve an individual to support and comfort you as you strive to find healing and justice.
One has the right to defend oneself from all forms of sexual action that infringe upon one's own privacy.
