Every employee deserves to work in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from harassment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in many workplaces. If you’ve experienced unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or any other form of sexual harassment at work in Egg Harbor Township, you are not alone—and you have legal rights. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for justice.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of workplace discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment, affecting an employee’s ability to perform their job.
Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment generally falls into two categories:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when employment decisions (such as promotions, raises, or continued employment) are based on the employee’s submission to or rejection of sexual advances. For example, a supervisor offering a promotion in exchange for sexual favors.
- Hostile Work Environment: This type of harassment occurs when unwelcome sexual behavior creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This can include inappropriate jokes, comments, emails, or physical conduct.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many forms and may involve supervisors, co-workers, clients, or even non-employees. Common examples include:
- Unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
- Inappropriate touching or physical contact
- Sexually suggestive comments, jokes, or gestures
- Displaying sexually explicit images or materials in the workplace
- Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or messages
- Comments about a person’s body, appearance, or clothing in a sexual context
- Threats or retaliation after rejecting sexual advances
Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment
Employees in Egg Harbor Township are protected from sexual harassment under both federal and state laws:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment, based on sex.
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Provides broader protections than federal laws, prohibiting sexual harassment in all forms, regardless of the size of the employer.
What to Do If You Experience Sexual Harassment
If you believe you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment, here are steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Document the Harassment: Keep detailed records of the incidents, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any witnesses. Save emails, texts, or other evidence of inappropriate behavior.
- Review Company Policies: Check your employer’s sexual harassment and anti-discrimination policies to understand how to report the issue internally.
- File an Internal Complaint: Report the harassment to your HR department or a supervisor. Submit your complaint in writing and keep a copy for your records.
- Seek Legal Advice: If your complaint is ignored, dismissed, or if you face retaliation, consult an experienced employment lawyer to explore your legal options.
Can I Be Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment?
No. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting sexual harassment, participating in an investigation, or supporting another employee’s complaint. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, pay cuts, negative performance reviews, or creating a hostile work environment. If you’ve experienced retaliation, you may have additional legal claims against your employer.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Help
Sexual harassment cases can be complex, especially when employers deny wrongdoing or fail to take complaints seriously. An experienced employment lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case to determine if your legal rights were violated
- Gather evidence, including witness statements, emails, and documentation of harassment
- File complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
- Negotiate settlements for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Represent you in court if your case proceeds to litigation
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?
When facing sexual harassment in the workplace, you need legal advocates who are committed to Protecting Your Rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience representing employees in sexual harassment cases throughout Egg Harbor Township and New Jersey. Our legal team is dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for individuals who have been subjected to workplace harassment.
Take Action Today—Don’t Let Sexual Harassment Go Unchallenged
Sexual harassment is not just inappropriate—it’s illegal. If you’ve experienced harassment at work, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to schedule a consultation with an experienced employment lawyer and protect your rights.
Contact Information
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
