Sexual harassment is a very serious issue in the workplace. While many Ohio workers assume that sexual harassment is cut and dry, the truth of the matter is that sexual harassment entails more than blatant sexual advances. To begin, it is important that workers understand what is considered sexual harassment according to Ohio state and federal laws. Aside from blatant sexual advances and sexual requests, here are some of the less obvious types of sexual harassment:

• Sexual bribery: when sex is used as a bribe for a benefit in the workplace. For example, a boss may bribe a worker with a promotion in return for sexual favors.
• Sexual coercion and intimidation: when someone tries to pressure another person into sexual activity.
• Sexual joking and comments: even when sexual joking and comments are not directed at you, they can still create an uncomfortable work environment. Furthermore, anything from a whistle as you walk by to a joke about the way you look is sexual harassment and should not be ignored.
• Unlawful touching: includes any touching that makes you feel uncomfortable or that is unwelcome.
• Sexist comments: include any comments that are demeaning and/or derogatory toward your gender.

Sexual harassment doesn’t necessarily need to take place at work – it can occur at any work-related event. Some examples of work-related events include a meeting after-hours, a department training seminar, or even a workplace celebration such as a holiday party or summer picnic. Whether it is in the office or at an after-hours meeting, sexual harassment should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

While many assume that sexual harassment at work can be easily resolved, there are still several instances when the perpetrator ignores complaints of sexual harassment. Once the victim has exhausted him- or herself in attempts to make the harasser stop, it is time to take the situation to someone higher up. This could be a boss, or the human resources department. Many victims of sexual harassment believe that taking the problem directly to the human resources department will put an end to the issue immediately. However, it is not uncommon in some workplaces in Columbus, Ohio for the human resources department to deem the situation irrelevant to what they consider sexual harassment. Once the human resources department has ignored your sexual harassment complaint, what should you do next?

Contact a Columbus, Ohio Sexual Harassment Attorney

Jones Law Group can help you with your dilemma. Sexual harassment is not a joke and should not be ignored. Our experienced team of sexual harassment lawyers in Columbus, Ohio is here to help you with your sexual harassment issue. The act may be small in the eyes of the perpetrator or in the eyes of the human resources department, but sexual harassment is a federal offense and we at Jones Law Group are here to work for you.

Do not let sexual harassment become acceptable in your workplace. Contact us by phone at (614) 545-9998, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.