Massachusetts Lawyer Discusses Two Common Types of Sexual Harassment
Boston, MA– Despite federal laws, thousands of workers in Massachusetts face sexual harassment and discrimination when they head to work every day. According to some estimates, one in four women in the U.S. and Massachusetts have been subjected workplace sexual harassment, which can take one of two forms. Here our team of sexual harassment lawyers in Massachusetts will discuss the two common types of sexual harassment workers encounter.
First, we need to explain what counts as sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines sexual harassment as: “Unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.”
Next, we’ll explain the two common types of workplace sexual harassment. They are:
Hostile Work Environment
Hostile work environment is when one’s behavior in a workplace creates an environment that is very difficult for another employee to work in, according to Wikipedia. Hostile work environment can include a range of behaviors including unwanted sexual advances, unsolicited touching and lewd comments and other sexually inappropriate behavior.
The hostile work environment harassment must be repeated and pervasive for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to intervene. Employers must also be given the chance to address and correct the harassment before an employee can file a formal complaint. One incident does not mean the workplace is hostile as long as it doesn’t happen.
If you are repeatedly harassed in your Massachusetts workplace, and your employer is not taking any steps to address it, USAttorneys urges you to contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Boston. They will examine the details of your case and decide if you have grounds to file a formal sexual harassment complaint.
Quid pro quo
Quid pro quo harassment is the second type of harassment employees face and is often perpetrated by supervisors, bosses, and other higher-ups. “Quid pro quo” means “this for that” in Latin, so it entails a person in a position of power abusing their position to gain sexual favors from co-workers and subordinate employees. An example would be a boss offering their secretary a promotion in exchange for a sexual favor. Most cases of quid pro quo harassment entail long periods of time and can become increasingly demanding.
Employees who face quid pro quo harassment have nowhere to turn in many situations since their supervisor is also their harasser. But these victims don’t have to endure the harassment and can take a stand by contacting a sexual harassment attorney in Massachusetts to help them stop the abuse, report it and recover compensation for enduring the abusive behavior.
Victims of sexual harassment may be entitled to compensation for their emotional distress and any wages they lost. Take action today and contact an employment lawyer today. USAttorneys can connect you with one today. You’ll benefit from their representation and their expertise.
