sexual-harassment

Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Utah

Utah Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on your gender. Sexual harassment typically occurs in one of two ways:

1. Enduring the offensive conduct is a condition of continued employment;

OR

2. The conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. Examples of the first type of sexual harassment may include being asked for sexual favors in exchange for receiving preferential scheduling or promotions. Examples of the second type of sexual harassment are work situations where pornography, sexual banter, or sexual innuendo is used with such frequency that you begin to experience anxiety or discomfort as a result of being exposed to it.

Sexual harassment is NOT a petty annoyance, one-time joke, or isolated incident unless the incident is very serious. To be unlawful, the conduct must rise to the level that would be offensive, hostile, or intimidating to a reasonable person.

What Situations can be Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can occur in many different circumstances, in many different types of employment relationships. For example, the harasser can be a direct supervisor, a member of management in an area away from the victim, an agent of the employer, a co-worker, or a non-employee. The victim doesn’t have to be the target of the harassment – anyone can be affected by simply witnessing the offensive conduct. Sexual harassment may cause the loss of a job or other monetary harm to the victim; however, many times the only harm to the victim is mental anguish.

What Should I Do if I am being Sexually Harassed?

First and foremost, your employer should have sexual harassment policies in place to prevent unwanted harassment. If you have told your harasser to stop, and the sexual harassment is continuing, you must follow your employer’s policies for reporting the harassment. If you fail to follow the proper chain of command to report sexual harassment, your legal rights may be affected. Anti-discrimination laws prevent your employer from retaliating against you for complaining about harassment, hiring a lawyer, and exercising your legal right to be free from sexual harassment in Utah.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I am Sexually Harassed in Utah?

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in Utah, strict time deadlines may apply to your case. We recommend you contact one of our experienced sexual harassment lawyers for a free consultation. The lawyers at Hepworth & Associates can be reached at 801-872-2222.