What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment, in the legal sense, refers to harassment that is sexual in nature. This can include unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct that is based on sex.

There are two types of claims that can be brought for sexual harassment, a sexually hostile work environment claim and a quid pro quo sexual harassment claim. A sexually hostile work environment claim is when the sexual harassment alters work conditions and renders the environment abusive. A quid pro quo sexual harassment claim occurs when a supervisor makes acquiescence to sexual demands part of the terms of employment. If you are the victim of sexual harassment, you may have a claim for one or both sexual harassment claims.  

What can I do if I am being sexually harassed?

Your first option is to report the sexual harassment to the employer. The employer has a duty to take prompt remedial action reasonably calculated to stop the sexual harassment. 

The civil rights statutes also prohibit retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. This means the employer cannot punish you for reporting the harassment. 

Your second option is to file a sexual harassment complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. They will investigate for free. However, estimates are that the EEOC only brings a charge approximately 2% of the time. 

Your third option is to contact a sexual harassment lawyer and pursue a sexual harassment lawsuit. You need a tough, experienced employment attorney to handle these complex claims.