Houston Sexual Harassment Attorney
Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers Serving Houston, TX
Cases of sexual harassment occur regularly around Texas and may happen to both men and women. Although there is a strong awareness that sexual harassment is unlawful and can never be accepted, it is not quite as simple to recognize behavior that rises to the level of harassment. Sexual harassment is unlawful. Depending on the nature of the harassment, sexual harassment can also become a criminal act.
Our Houston sexual harassment lawyers have the experience helping individuals who are victims of sexual harassment and even helping those who are wrongly accused of sexual harassment.
Houston Sexual Harassment Cases
In a workplace or social setting, sexual harassment is harassment that includes things such as unwelcome sexual advances, sexual contact, or sexual remarks. Sexual harassment generally involves unwanted sexual or sexual comments, demands for sexual favors in exchange for a raise or bonus, and other verbal or nonverbal sexual behavior. Under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, sexual harassment is illegal in Texas.
Sexual harassment in hostile environments is behavior that unduly interferes with the work of an employee or creates an intimidating, abusive, or offensive work atmosphere. A court must find that the harassing behavior was too serious or widespread for a claim of hostile environment sexual harassment to proceed. Courts will consider things such as:
- How regularly the behavior was repeated
- If others have joined in
- Whether it was aimed towards more than one person
- How it impacted the work performance of the victims
- How it influenced the psychological well-being of the victim
If it is serious enough, such as a sexual assault, a single incident of harassing behavior can create a hostile environment. A qualified lawyer will protect your interests and rights.
How do I know if I experienced sexual harassment?
You may be a victim of Sexual harassment if you have experienced one of the following:
- Sexual topics of conversation
- Touching without consent (eg. groping)
- Requests for sexual favors (i.e. “sleep with me and you’ll get a salary raise”)
- Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault
- Unwanted sexual jokes or questions
- Creating sexual gestures
- Sexually obscene and explicit SMS, calls, e-mails, drawings or photos Sexual innuendos and questions
There can be at least three types of sexual harassment: hostile work environment, harassment quid pro quo, and sexual assault. All are unlawful harassment, and both civil and criminal law is breached by some. You may have a case against your employer or even your manager if you have encountered all of the above, or something similar.
Retaliation Is Prohibited
Many people are wary of reporting sexual harassment and other illegal harassment in the workplace because of retaliation concerns. However, the law on sexual harassment forbids an employer from retaliating against an employee who complains or reveals the activity that the employee considers to be sexual harassment or other unlawful harassment in good faith.
The law also forbids employers from retaliating against an employee involved in sexual harassment or other unlawful workplace harassment inquiries. Even if an employee does not recover for technical, legal reasons on a charge of workplace harassment, an employee can still recover unpaid wages and he/she suffers wrongful retaliation for emotional distress.
Consult With Our Houston Sexual Harassment Attorney
In your sexual harassment case, our Houston sexual harassment lawyer will provide you with expert assistance. They will assist you in understanding your legal rights. They know about sexual harassment laws. In filing your case, you need assistance. You need to make sure that the laws and regulations for sexual harassment in Texas have been observed by your employer.
You are given rights in your case when you consult with a lawyer who knows the sexual harassment law. In your case, they will help you fight your harassers and get the justice you deserve. They’ll be defending against a sexual harasser by your side. At work and at home, we will make sure you are safe. Our Houston Sexual Harassment Lawyer will decide if you have a case if you are unaware if you are experiencing sexual harassment. To start a consultation, contact us today.
