What is (and isn’t) sexual harassment?

On Behalf of | Jun 17, 2020 | Employment Law

Sexual harassment is a type of discrimination that is sadly commonplace in many Ohio workplaces. You must know that not all ill-treatment constitutes sexual harassment. Any unwelcome comments or conduct related to your gender, sexual orientation or sex, in general, may be considered as sexual harassment, however.

There is a difference between sexual and non-sexual harassment. The latter is discrimination explicitly based on a person’s disability, religion, nationality, race, ethnicity, age or belonging to another protected class.

Both sexual and non-sexual harassment creates a hostile work environment that interferes with a person’s ability to perform their work duties and advance in their career in a non-discriminatory place of business.

Sexual harassment can come from a variety of sources, including coworkers, managers, contractors, vendors and even clients. The source of the harassment is irrelevant. What is salient is that the harassment creates a hostile work environment, regardless of the cause, that interferes with a worker’s ability to perform their employment duties effectively.

Sometimes what constitutes sexual harassment isn’t always clear. You may be on the receiving end of lewd jokes. Someone may make sexual remarks about your clothing. A colleague or client may display pornography in the workplace or send you a letter, note or email that contains sexual innuendos. None of those things are acceptable types of treatment.

You may be eligible to receive monetary compensation if you have been the victim of sexual harassment in your Cincinnati workplace. Each case is unique, and how much in financial damages you may be eligible to receive is based on the specific facts of your case and applicable Ohio state law. An experienced employment law attorney can evaluate your case and recommend the best course of action to get you the justice you deserve.