Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyers have seen many examples of Los Angeles-area governmental agencies that have struggled with employees and supervisors who just don't understand how to comply with sexual harassment laws.
On the one hand, some people simply don't get that making lewd comments, sending inappropriate emails or making sexually aggressive moves toward co-workers is not only wrong, but also unlawful. On the other, government entities, private businesses and all types of employers must have strong sexual harassment policies in place in order to stop such behavior from happening in the first place.
Sexual harassment in Los Angeles is an important issue and one that can divide an office, cause tension between the aggressor and the victim and make a person unwilling to work at a place that they previously loved. And unless a victim is willing to step up and fight back, this type of harassment can continue.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Fire Department recently settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a firefighter who claims that he was repeatedly harassed by other firefighters. The department recently paid him $500,000 to settle a lawsuit he filed against the agency.
According to the newspaper report, a firefighter and engineer with the department filed a discrimination charge in 2007, claiming that he faces continual harassment from co-workers. The man claims that the harassment started a year earlier when he sued the Los Angeles Archdiocese over alleged sexual abuse.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says that when a coworker learned of the lawsuit, the man became mocked by co-workers. They would use explicit and offensive sexual and religious epithets.
Recently, the department announced it would pay the man $494,150 to settle the case. The department also will be required to enforce policies against discrimination, retaliation as well as harassment. An external EEOC complaint procedure will also be put into place for future claims. The department failed to return calls seeking comment.
While many people believe that sexual harassment claims are only filed by women, this story proves that is only a stereotype. Any person would be able to see how devastating this scenario would be to a worker, regardless of their gender.
Being sexually harassed at work goes beyond having someone send an inappropriate email or making a racy joke. Any talk of sex that makes the person feel uncomfortable or is used in a way that degrades or bothers them, can qualify as harassment. If nothing is done, it will simply continue.
An employee deserves to work with people who respect them and who are willing to follow the laws as well as company procedures when it comes to sexual harassment. They should be able to enjoy their work and what they do without feeling nervous and awkward every time they show up. Sexual harassment changes everything.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual harassment in Orange County or in any of the surrounding areas, it is critical for you to contact an Orange County Sexual Harassment attorney. Contact the California Legal Team at (310) 497-0321 to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
LAPD Sexual Harassment Causes Division Shakeup: October 4, 2011
Additional Resources:
L.A. Fire Department settles firefighter's harassment case, by Dalina Castellanos, Los Angeles Times
