Protecting the Rights of Workers by Fighting for Victims of Sexual Harassment
California Sexual Harassment Attorney
Whether you are a woman or a man, sexual harassment is against the law.
Sexual harassment lawyer Philip W. Ganong in Bakersfield, CA, understands that sexual harassment is humiliating and demeaning. It is unwanted, and you were not asking for it.
Sexual Harassment is Against the Law
It does not matter whether you are “gay," “straight,” or transgender. It does not matter if you are a man or a woman. Sexual harassment is against the law.
What does matter is that you know that:
- YOU are not to blame.
- YOU can make them stop.
What Happens if You Report Sexual Harassment
The number one fear of victims of sexual harassment is what will happen to them if they report the harassment. That’s exactly what your harasser wants you to think. As long as you are too afraid to report them, they will have more time to harass you.
If you report sexual harassment and are fired, not promoted, or demoted because you reported the sexual harassment, the company and the individual can be in more trouble. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal. It can cost the company or individual more money.
What Sexual Harassment Is
Sexual harassment complaints often include:
- Unwelcome jokes, comments, or gestures of a sexual nature.
- Displaying offensive sexual or suggestive pictures or objects.
- Unwanted flirting, sexual advances, or propositions.
- Suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, emails, or messages.
- Inappropriate and unwanted touching or blocking or impeding movements.
- Promising employment benefits for sex.
No One Has the Right To Sexually Harass You
A co-worker, supervisor, boss, or the owner of the company has no right to force you to put up with unwanted sexual behavior. No one has the right – no matter what their position in the company – to force you put up with sexual harassment or to participate in a sexual act.
Sales people and independent contractors also are protected by the law from sexual harassment.
The Cost of a Sexual Harassment Attorney
If a Ganong Law sexual harassment attorney takes your case, we work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing until your case is resolved in your favor.
Contact a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact a sexual harassment attorney at Ganong Law in Bakersfield, CA.
If You Are Being Sexually Harassed
There are a number of steps you should take to protect and to prove your case either to the company or to the court, if the case has to go that far.
- Keep a written diary listing the day, time, location, and a short description of each incident, who was involved, and the names of anyone who observed the incident.
- If the person sexually harassing you sends you any written communications (memos, letters, emails, or text messages), save them.
- Always go to your supervisor, the boss, the company’s owner, or the human resources department and report the person harassing you.
- You can make a copy of your diary and any correspondence, but DO NOT give the originals to anyone but your attorney.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT quit your job unless you are advised to do so by your attorney and ONLY after reporting the offensive conduct and allowing sufficient time for your employer to take action.
If nothing is done about your sexual harassment complaint, contact a sexual harassment attorney at Ganong Law in Bakersfield, CA.
