Although the news coverage usually focuses on females, men can also be sexually harassed in the workplace. It is true that women are more often the ones who face this kind of abuse, but men seem to be less like to do anything when it happens to them.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances or physical or verbal acts of a sexual nature in the workplace. Requests for sexual favors also fall into this category. The unwanted behavior can impact the employee’s ability to perform their work.
Examples of sexual harassment include unwanted comments, inappropriate touching, and emails or texts with sexually inappropriate content. The definition of sexual harassment and sexual assault vary by state, but the latter is usually associated with acts of sexual violence.
How Many Male Employees Are Sexually Harassed at Work?
It is difficult to estimate this because the EEOC claims that many men in these situations do not file complaints. Some male employees might feel that their colleagues will mock them; other reasons might include concerns about making statements about their sexuality and being unable to resolve the problem without help. No employee should have to tolerate this kind of behavior, and speaking out can help solve the problem.
Protections Against Sexual Harassment in New Jersey
New Jersey offers employers certain protections against workplace sexual harassment. It is prohibited in employment and places of accommodation, like businesses, schools, and housing, and can include verbal, visual, and physical harassment. If it qualifies as sexual harassment, your claim may fall into the hostile environment or quid pro quo category:
- Hostile work environments are when an employee is subjected to unwanted, severe, or pervasive harassing conduct based on their gender.
- Quid pro quo harassment involves an abuser who wants to exchange a workplace benefit (like a raise) for a sexual favor. This can also include an adverse action like a demotion for an employee who refuses to participate.
Employers must try to remedy the problem when they know about the harassment. This can also apply when employers should have known that the harassment was taking place. After an employee reports the harassment, companies cannot retaliate with terminations, demotions, and similar actions.
South Jersey Employment Lawyers at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC Support All Employees Facing Workplace Sexual Harassment
Workplace sexual harassment can happen to any employee and should never be tolerated. Contact our South Jersey employment lawyers at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC today. Call us at 856-235-7075 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Atlantic City and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Burlington County, and Camden County.