Houston Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Personalized Legal Representation

Issues of sexual harassment can be extremely difficult matters for the victim to deal with, especially at the workplace. Whether the unwanted advances come from a supervisor, subordinate, or colleague, the victim can feel extremely violated and unsafe. Regardless of the perpetrator's intentions, if you feel uncomfortable with a co-worker’s sexual advances, you have the right to press charges, according to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Fighting for the Rights of Sexual Harassment Victims in Texas

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances and requests for sexual favors when rejection of this behavior affects your employment status, interferes with your work, or creates a hostile work environment.

Whether you fear losing your job or have been fired for rejecting sexual advances, Kennard Law, P.C. can help. Our firm provides a safe and caring environment for you to share your story, and our attorneys take the time to listen to all of your concerns. We are extremely knowledgeable in sexual harassment laws and can advise you on the right way to proceed with your claim. Even if you feel you may have contributed to or allowed the perpetrator's harassment, there are laws that can protect you.

We help clients who have experienced workplace sexual harassment, along with:

• Hostile work environment (making your work-life unbearable)
• Retaliation (fired or treated differently for reporting abuse)
• Quid pro quo harassment (sexual favors in exchange for something)
• Constructive discharge (leaving you no choice but to quit)

Common Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment at work can take many different forms, such as:

• Unwanted touching
• Requests for sexual favors in exchange for a promotion
• Asking an employee about their sex life
• Sending nude or graphic photos to colleagues
• Repeatedly complimenting a person's appearance
• Making sexual jokes or innuendos
• Making comments on an employee's attractiveness to others
• Spreading sexual rumors about an employee
• Sending sexually explicit emails or texts to an employee

There are many more examples of sexual harassment that can take place at work or outside of work with colleagues. If you have experienced sexual harassment to the point of it creating an environment that is uncomfortable, distracting, and interfering with your work, talk to an attorney about what you should do next.

What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Harassed

Victims of sexual harassment often feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. There are three steps that should be taken.

Step One: Report It to Your Employer

As soon as possible, report the harassment to your employer. Your human resources department should be available to help. It is also important to file a complaint so that you have it on record, and to give your employer a chance to remedy the situation.

Step Two: Document and Preserve the Evidence of Harassment

Harassing emails and notes can be hurtful. It is tempting to simply throw them away. Unfortunately, doing so also disposes of physical evidence that may play a valuable role in your case. That evidence must be preserved.

Make sure you keep any evidence, such as:

• Did any of your co-workers witness the harassment? Gather their names.
• Keep track of the dates and times when the harassment took place. Details are critical to the success of a claim.
• Were there emails or notes left containing harassing messages? Retain copies for your records.
• Keep a record of the complaints you filed with your employer, including their responses to them.
• Detail any incidents that occur outside of the workplace as well, as that can count as sexual harassment.
• If you are seeing a psychologist or professional regarding your harassment, document your visits.

Step Three: Contact an Employment Law Attorney

Many people hesitate to take legal action for fear of losing their job or facing some other type of retaliation from their employer. Retaliation is illegal. An experienced attorney can protect you from that and all other wrongdoing on the part of your employer. Fast action is important, however, because there are legal deadlines. We encourage you to contact us at Kennard Law, P.C., so we can make sure all deadlines are met.

For a consultation with one of our skilled and dedicated employment law attorneys, contact Kennard Law, P.C. We can help.