Sexual harassment in the workplace can disrupt more than just your ability to do your job. It is an emotionally distressing and harmful crime that can have a wide range of effects on a victim’s life. If you have experienced workplace sexual harassment in Kansas, you may be eligible for financial compensation by filing a claim against the offender as well as your employer. Learn more about your rights during a free consultation with an attorney at DRZ Law.
What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination against an individual based on his or her sex, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, relationship status, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Sexual harassment can be motivated by sexual desire, but it can also be based on discriminatory behaviors toward a victim’s sex in general. Two types of sexual harassment are identified in the workplace: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo sexual harassment translates to “what for what” or “this for that.” In this context, it refers to an inappropriate offer or request regarding sexual favors in the workplace. An example is a boss offering an employee a promotion in exchange for a date. Quid pro quo sexual harassment can also involve threats, such as an employer threatening to terminate a worker’s employment if he or she does not comply with sexual requests or favors.
Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment means that performing the employee’s job has become difficult, dangerous or impossible due to an environment where the employee feels threatened or unsafe. In general, an isolated incident of sexual harassment is not enough to create a hostile work environment unless it is particularly severe. More commonly, a hostile work environment is created over time due to continuous acts of sexual misconduct, harassment or discrimination.
Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Workplace sexual harassment can take many forms. It can be physical or nonphysical and can happen to anyone at work, regardless of age, sex or status. It can impact employers, employees, contractors and job applicants. Common examples of workplace sexual harassment include:
- Unwelcome sexual advances or flirting
- Inappropriate touching, kissing, hugging or massaging
- Inappropriate comments, jokes or remarks of a sexual nature
- Comments about someone’s appearance
- Physically blocking someone from moving or leaving
- Propositions for sexual activity
- Verbal sexual abuse
- Leering or making inappropriate hand gestures or facial expressions
- Posting sexual images or content around the workplace
- Sending someone pornography or sexualized content via e-mail
In some scenarios, it can be difficult to determine if you are experiencing sexual harassment. In others, it is obvious. Either way, you have the right to come forward and demand accountability for the crime committed against you.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Sexual Harassment in Kansas?
To take legal action against a harasser in Kansas, start by filing an official complaint with a state and/or federal organization. There is a deadline on both types of claims, so act quickly. To file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission, you must act within six months of the last harassment incident.
In addition, federal law gives you 300 days to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These organizations will investigate the incident and may penalize your employer. They will also give you the opportunity to collect financial compensation for losses connected to sexual harassment.
Contact a Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorney in Kansas Today
If you have suffered sexual harassment in your workplace in Kansas, the attorneys at DRZ Law can help you protect your rights. Our law firm has a perfect track record – we have obtained compensation for 100 percent of our sexual assault clients. Contact us online or call (913) 214-8606 to find out how we can help you with a workplace sexual harassment claim.