Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. All circumstances are taken into consideration when deciding if sexual harassment has occurred. This includes the nature and frequency of the advances and the conditions under which the offender made them. If you've been the victim of sexual harassment, you should immediately notify your supervisor. If your supervisor is the harasser, you should go to the supervisor's superior. If your company has a grievance procedure for sexual harassment claims, you should use it. An employee can also file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. This process is the same as with other types of discrimination. It includes the right to sue in federal court. Both federal and state civil rights laws were enacted to protect citizens from sexual harassment from their employers. If you feel you have been the subject of sexual harassment and it has caused you to be terminated or otherwise treated unfairly by your employer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages. For more information on sexual harassment, you can contact your local EEOC office, your state's civil rights agency, or an attorney knowledgeable in the area of civil rights.
