Pembroke Pines Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Pembroke Pines Sexual Harassment Attorney

Workplaces throughout the country face sexual harassment problems, and Pembroke Pines, Florida, is no exception. A toxic and hostile work setting caused by sexual harassment makes employee performance difficult while risking sustained emotional and psychological damage. When sexual harassment occurs at your workplace, you must understand your legal rights and identify available support options with the help of a Pembroke Pines sexual harassment lawyer. If you’re unsure about your next steps, speaking with a Pembroke Pines employment lawyer could give you the clarity and protection you need.

Why Choose Us?

The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., commits itself to assisting sexual harassment victims obtain justice. Michelle Cohen Levy operates as a solo practitioner and provides each client with tailored legal representation while working directly to manage their case through a sensitive and professional approach.

The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., serves Pembroke Pines residents by delivering complete legal support to employees who suffer workplace harassment. Our experience in Florida labor regulations and federal employee protections enables us to support our clients and advocate for their representation in the Broward County Courthouse and other legal venues.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment manifests when unwanted sexual behavior creates an intimidating or hostile work environment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlines sexual harassment as illegal behavior targeting individuals based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome verbal communications and physical acts, along with visual displays of a sexual nature. Florida law bans sexual harassment in both public and private workplaces through protections provided by the Florida Civil Rights Act and Title VII. In Florida, sexual harassment cases are heard by the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)

Sexual harassment can take various forms. The most frequent behaviors that qualify as harassment include:

• Uninvited sexual advances or demands for sexual favors from others
• Any physical actions with sexual content, such as touching or groping someone
• Inappropriate jokes, along with sexual innuendos and unwanted comments about appearance
• Displays of lewd or suggestive images, cartoons, or gestures
• Retaliation is taken against employees who reject sexual advances or report harassment cases

Recognizing sexual harassment requires understanding the specific behaviors involved. The law provides protection to you regardless of whether harassment comes from a supervisor, a colleague, or even a customer.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Unfortunately, workplace harassment is common but often goes unreported, so any statistics representing the number of sexual harassment cases are likely lower than the reality. Between 2018 and 2021, the EEOC received 27,291 charges related to sexual harassment. Of these, 78.2% were filed by women, and 43.5% of sexual harassment claims were filed concurrently with retaliation charges.

There are two primary types of sexual harassment recognized by law: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.

Quid pro quo harassment involves a power holder, like a supervisor or employer, who requires sexual favors to grant job benefits such as raises, promotions, or job continuity. Demand for sexual actions can be openly stated or subtly suggested when linked to professional growth opportunities or maintenance of employment status. Quid pro quo also occurs if negative consequences are threatened for rejecting those favors.

An employee experiences a hostile work environment when continuous sexual behavior or comments fill the work atmosphere and elicit feelings of discomfort, fear, or humiliation. The source of this behavior may be anyone from a peer to a subordinate to a client, and not just those who hold power positions. If persistent behavior disrupts your job performance, it can qualify as harassment.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Workplace Sexual Harassment

If you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, there are steps you can take to seek justice and hold the responsible party accountable:

• Document the harassment. Record all statements made or actions taken, along with their location and timing, and list all people who participated.
• Report the harassment. Workplace harassment reporting systems commonly exist through human resources departments or direct management contacts. An employer with a reporting procedure must legally investigate harassment reports and implement appropriate measures.
• File a complaint with the EEOC or FCHR. These agencies will conduct investigations into harassment claims and provide assistance in pursuing compensation or alternative solutions if reporting internally fails.
• Contact an attorney. A Pembroke Pines workplace sexual harassment lawyer can guide you through the legal system while protecting your rights and helping you pursue damages for harassment-related harm.

FAQs About Sexual Harassment Law in Pembroke Pines,FL

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., Today

Contact our office immediately for a consultation about your sexual harassment case at work to discuss your situation and understand your legal choices.