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No one should have to endure sexual harassment. If you are in Glendale and have faced such inappropriate conduct, Nosratilaw, A Professional Law Corporation, is here to help. Our Glendale sexual harassment lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing victims and fighting for their rights. We are committed to standing by your side every step of the way to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
California has broad, legally protected, civil rights definitions of sexual harassment. Under state law, sexual harassment can occur anywhere (not just at work). Unwanted sexual advances, words or sexually motivated requests, and physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment.
California law does not just protect against quid pro quo harassment (meaning the advances made that your employment is contingent upon) but also hostile work environment harassment, where misconduct is serious or ubiquitous and can be hard to prove.
California’s sexual harassment laws seek to protect people from harassment in their schools, workplace, home, places of business, and other areas of public life. Harassment is illegal in educational institutions, in housing, and in all public accommodations – restaurants, shops, hotels, offices, factories, nightclubs, movie theaters, sporting events, hospitals, and medical offices.
Victims can file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and pursue civil lawsuits. Understanding these laws is crucial for both preventing harassment and seeking justice when it occurs.
Sexual harassment in Glendale can occur in numerous forms, each harmful and unlawful. Examples include:
These actions violate California’s strict harassment laws, designed to uphold the dignity and safety of all individuals.
A sexual harassment complaint triggers an investigation, which can ultimately help to determine whether the claims are true. This process involves interviewing the complainant, the alleged harasser, and any witnesses, as well as reviewing any evidence provided. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) conducts investigations in a range of settings beyond the workplace, including public schools, where students may be vulnerable targets of sexual harassment.
California law contains strong provisions against retaliation against anyone who reports being sexually harassed. Retaliation includes any action taken against a person for a protected activity, such as the filing of a sexual harassment complaint or participation in an investigation.
Retaliation can be a threat, intimidation, or other actions that discourage people from exercising their rights. Knowing about such protections gives victims more confidence to report being harassed without facing further reprisals.
There are many differences between civil and criminal sexual harassment cases, but one of the most important distinctions involves the type of claim made. Civil suits are initiated by a victim against the harasser, seeking monetary compensation for emotional damages or loss of earnings resulting from the harassment. On the other hand, criminal cases are prosecuted by the state or a district attorney on behalf of the victim, aiming to impose penalties such as fines, probation, or imprisonment on the harasser.
These cases are judged on different standards of proof. In a civil case, the victim must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the harasser’s conduct created a hostile environment or constituted sexual harassment. In contrast, a criminal case requires the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime has been committed, which demands a much higher level of certainty.
Choosing the right course of action depends on the victim’s circumstances and the specifics of the harassment experienced. Understanding these differences helps victims make informed decisions about pursuing justice and obtaining the appropriate legal remedies.
A: Harassment falls into three categories: verbal, non-verbal, and physical. Verbal harassment includes unwelcome remarks, jokes, or sexual requests. Non-verbal harassment involves leering, gestures, or displaying sexually offensive materials. Physical harassment ranges from unwelcome touching to sexual assault. These actions are prohibited in workplaces, schools, public places, housing complexes, and more in California.
A: Quid pro quo sexual harassment refers to situations where someone in a position of power asks for sexual favors in exchange for some kind of benefit or preferential treatment. This type of quid pro quo harassment is prohibited by law and can be acted upon in a court of law.
A: There must be sufficient evidence to prove a case of harassment. At a minimum, there have to be records recording each time harassment occurred, with dates, times, places and descriptions of the harassment. Witness statements may also help to back up the victim’s statements. Physical evidence, such as emails, text messages, or voicemails, is also important. Medical or psychological reports can help establish claims of emotional distress.
A: Proving psychological harassment requires showing that the harassing behavior caused or worsened the emotional or mental condition of the victim. The testimony of the victim detailing the incidents of harassment should include descriptions of why each verbal or non-verbal incident contributed to his or her mental health problems.
Medical or psychological evaluations can provide professional assessments of the victim’s condition, linking the harassment to issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Witness testimony that corroborates the victim’s narrative can be helpful.
Facing sexual harassment can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Nosratilaw, A Professional Law Corporation, our employment lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for justice. We are dedicated to providing the support and representation you need. Contact us today, and we can set up a consultation to discuss the details of your case.