San Francisco Employment Lawyer Blog

Sexual harassment is a growing concern in the workplace. Just recently, a private prison was involved in a sexual harassment suit that was settled for $1.3 million. The Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) brought a sexual harassment lawsuit against Dominion Correctional Facility on behalf of several female employees. The lawsuit alleged that female employees of the prison were subjected to extreme harassment, including male managers forcing them to do sexual acts in order to keep their jobs. In addition, after one female officer complained, she was placed in an isolated location where she was raped by the man she had complained about. Another female worker was forced to have oral sex with in order to keep her job.

There are two types of sexual harassment in the workplace. Both type of harassment are illegal. The first type of harassment is known as quid-pro-quo harassment. “Quid-pro-quo” is a Latin term that means “this for that.” This type of harassment is basically a “trade” of a job related benefit for sex. This is the most common form of harassment, and it occurs if a manager or boss request sexual favors in exchange for an employee’s continued employment or promotion. The second type of sexual harassment is more complicated. This type of harassment is known as the “hostile environment.” Hostile environment harassment occurs when a person is made to feel uncomfortable because of his or her sex. This commonly occurs when a manager or co-worker makes comments or does something that a person finds offensive. In order for this behavior to constitute sexual harassment, it must be severe or pervasive.

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, don’t remain silent. Speak out and call the experienced attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP. You can reach us at 1-800-ALAWPRO or 1-800-252-9776 for a free consultation. You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more.