In today’s social and political climate, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between innocent workplace behavior and sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal and physical harassment of a sexual nature, etc. But sometimes the signs can be subtle, and other behaviors can be included as well. Sexual harassment can also include offensive remarks about a person’s gender, identified or biological.

Examples of other situations that can be considered sexual harassment are when a person:

• Stands too close to you or talks to you in an intimate way
• Comments about your body and makes you feel uncomfortable
• Talks to you about their sexual experiences
• Attempts to meet you after work
• Shows you pornographic material or talks to you about sexually-charged movies, TV shows, etc.

For harassment to be considered unlawful, it must be frequent and severe and result in a hostile or offensive work environment or an adverse employment decision such as a demotion or firing. If you have tried to make this behavior stop but have been unable to, sexual harassment is probably happening. If you feel pressured to go along with it, either explicitly or implicitly, harassment is occurring. If you feel uncomfortable making a formal complaint for any reason, including not being believed or fearing retaliation in the form of negative career consequences, it is time to report the harassment. If you believe that you are being given different work shifts, different responsibilities or passed over due to your gender, harassment may be happening. According to the EEOC, off-hand comments or isolated incidents may not be unlawful. But if it becomes chronic or severe and creates a hostile or offensive work environment or results in an adverse work event, it has become unlawful. 

If you believe that you have been sexually harassed in your workplace, the best course of action is to contact a skilled and knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Attorney Fred T. Polacek is an experienced lawyer who can help you make a successful claim. He knows how to handle sexual harassment claims and he will stand by your side and give you the advice and guidance you need to get the compensation you deserve. Contact him in Rhode Island at:  (401) 868-4306 or email him: fred@fredpolaceklaw.com..