Do unwanted comments and inappropriate touching along with a hostile work environment affect you? Workplace sexual harassment happens frequently yet victims can use legal channels to protect themselves while pursuing justice against offenders.
The good news?
You can handle this difficult situation with support from others. Knowing your legal rights and available options greatly enhances your ability to handle workplace harassment situations.
What You’ll Discover in This Guide
- What Legally Qualifies As Workplace Sexual Harassment
- Steps To Document And Report Harassment Incidents
- Filing Complaints With Government Agencies
- When To Hire A Sexual Harassment Lawyer
- Potential Compensation And Remedies Available
- How To Protect Yourself From Retaliation
What Qualifies as Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Legal definitions categorize workplace sexual harassment into two specific types.
Quid pro quo harassment takes place when a person in authority demands sexual acts from employees in return for work-related rewards or to prevent adverse actions against them. A supervisor may suggest your promotion depends on entering into a romantic relationship with them or warn you of job termination if you decline their romantic advances.
Hostile work environment harassment develops when sexual behavior becomes severe or frequent enough to produce an intimidating or offensive workplace atmosphere. This includes:
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Sexual comments, jokes, or innuendos
- Displaying sexually explicit materials
- Persistent unwelcome romantic attention
- Inappropriate comments about someone’s body or appearance
National surveys reveal that about 38% of women and 14% of men have faced sexual harassment at work showing this issue affects both genders. The fact that 52% of employees have seen inappropriate behavior at work highlights how common harassment and misconduct remain in American workplaces.
Steps to Take When Experiencing Sexual Harassment
The following measures provide protection for your rights while helping you compile evidence for your case when you experience sexual harassment at work.
1. Document Everything
Maintain a thorough account of harassment episodes by noting down details such as dates, times, locations, specific incidents, witnesses, responses, and related communications.
- Dates, times, and locations
- Exactly what was said or done
- Names of anyone present
- How you responded
- Any related communications (emails, texts, etc.)
If you choose to take legal action you will need this documentation as vital evidence. Store your documentation records safely away from company devices.
2. Report the Harassment Internally
Most companies have procedures for reporting harassment. Check your employee handbook or HR policies. When reporting:
- Follow company protocol
- Be specific about the incidents
- Make sure to write your complaint down and retain a copy for your records.
- Request information about next steps
According to the 2025 State of Workplace Harassment Report half of respondents would report harassment with their real names while nearly half would abstain from reporting without anonymous options. The information emphasizes the necessity for companies to improve their reporting systems but make sure this doesn’t stop you from documenting your experiences.
3. Consult with a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Los Angeles or your area
Even before filing formal complaints, consulting with a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles can provide valuable guidance. An experienced attorney can:
- Evaluate the strength of your case
- Advise you on proper documentation
- Help navigate internal reporting processes
- Ensure your rights are protected throughout
A large number of employment attorneys provide complimentary first-time consultations to evaluate your case.
Filing a Complaint with Government Agencies
When internal reporting fails to solve the problem you can escalate your complaint to government agencies.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission functions as the federal authority overseeing workplace anti-discrimination law enforcement. To file with the EEOC:
- The required submission deadline for your charge to the EEOC is 180 days following the incident but extends to 300 days in certain states.
- Provide all documentation and evidence of harassment
- Cooperate with their investigation process
The EEOC recovered $664 million in 2023 for employees who faced workplace harassment which shows a 30% rise from 2022 due to increased enforcement and settlements.
State Fair Employment Agencies
Several states operate agencies which address workplace harassment claims while providing protections that exceed those available under federal law. The procedure resembles EEOC complaints yet differs based on state-specific deadlines and procedures.
Legal Actions and Lawsuits
Consider filing a lawsuit if agency complaints fail to produce a satisfactory resolution. Here’s what you should know:
When You Can File a Lawsuit
Before you can bring a lawsuit you need to file a complaint with the EEOC or state agency and obtain a “right to sue” letter. However, the specifics depend on:
- The laws in your state
- The type of claim you’re filing
- Timing requirements (statutes of limitations)
The EEOC receives sexual harassment charges from women who make up 78% of complainants demonstrating gender-based differences in harassment at work.
Types of Lawsuits
You may be able to file:
- Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act the federal lawsuit is filed.
- State law claims (may provide additional protections)
- In some cases, personal injury lawsuits
Potential Compensation
A successful lawsuit can result in compensation for lost wages due to harassment, future income losses if returning is impossible, damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and paid legal fees and court expenses.
Dealing with Retaliation
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who report sexual harassment cases. Employers may resort to retaliation through employee termination, demotion, reduced work hours or salary cuts as well as negative performance assessments and workplace exclusion.
Keep records of any retaliatory actions because these could support another legal case.
A 2025 State of Workplace Harassment Report revealed that 32% of women expressed dissatisfaction with employer responses to harassment reports while only 20% of men felt the same way.
Class Action Lawsuits
A class action lawsuit becomes an option when multiple employees face sexual harassment. This approach applies if the company shows repeated harassment patterns or fails systemically to address complaints when multiple victims report similar misconduct.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Some sexual harassment cases resolve outside of court proceedings. Alternative methods include:
Mediation and Arbitration
Mediation features a neutral third party to assist in resolving disputes and arbitration relies on a private judge to issue a binding decision. Mediation typically saves time and money compared to court cases yet arbitration carries risks that could benefit employers while restricting your rights.
Many employment contracts include mandatory arbitration clauses. According to the 2025 State of Workplace Harassment Report 52% of Gen Z workers witnessed workplace harassment in the previous five years compared to 33% of Baby Boomers.
Protecting Your Mental Health
Handling sexual harassment cases alongside legal proceedings often causes significant emotional exhaustion. Explore therapy options and support groups alongside self-care practices to maintain your mental health. The importance of your mental health stands on the same level as achieving a legal resolution.
Wrapping It All Up
All workplace sexual harassment instances are unacceptable while victims maintain legal rights alongside various available options for resolution. Multiple avenues allow victims to obtain justice and compensation through documenting events to filing complaints and initiating lawsuits.
Research indicates that workplace harassment affects more than a third of women as well as a notable number of men. Despite its imperfections the legal system offers methods to ensure harassers face consequences and employers uphold responsibilities.
If you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work:
- Document everything thoroughly
- Report through appropriate channels
- Consider consulting with an employment attorney
- Make sure to understand your filing deadlines with government agencies.
- Maintain your emotional health during the entire process.
Your workplace should always be a safe space without harassment or intimidation. Utilizing these legal options will help you protect your rights and create positive changes in workplace culture for others.
