• 04
  • August
    2010

As an employee in California, you have the right to respect from your employer and fellow coworkers. Sexual harassment - whether physical, verbal or otherwise - is not tolerated in California law. You should never feel as if you have to accept mistreatment.

The first, and one of the most important, attributes of sexual harassment is that the actions being taken are "unwelcome." If you engage in questionable behavior on your own initiative, then you will likely have trouble proving that you were harassed.

However, if you make it absolutely clear that certain conduct is unwelcome, then you have the right to take action if that conduct continues.

Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), there are four types of prohibited sexual harassment:

  • Verbal or written sexual harassment may consist of comments on your clothing, body or behavior. It can also include sex-based jokes made in your presence, as well as other, more explicit comments or requests.
  • Physical sexual harassment will often entail inappropriate touching or grouping, but can also include assault.
  • Nonverbal sexual harassment consists of derogatory gestures or expressions, related to sex. Ogling can also be considered harassment.
  • Visual sexual harassment includes drawings, computer screensavers, pictures and e-mails containing sexual content.

It can be embarrassing and intimidating to voice complaints about conduct you have experienced in the workplace. However, the alternative is acceptance or resignation.

Neither of these is acceptable. These laws were designed to make that decision a safe one for you and, when you need them, they are there.

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