Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Orange County, CA

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive issue that affects employees across various industries. As highlighted by the #MeToo movement, many individuals face this injustice in silence. However, victims of sexual harassment have legal rights protected under federal and California state law.

At MJB Law Group, our skilled employment attorneys in Orange County are committed to helping victims reclaim their dignity and hold employers accountable. We offer personalized legal support to guide you through this challenging time.

What is Sexual Harassment?

California law defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, including advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical actions. 

This encompasses a range of actions, from inappropriate remarks and unwanted physical contact to more severe incidents like sexual assault.

Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Other applicable laws and regulations include the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Types of Sexual Harassment Cases We Handle

Sexual harassment generally falls into two primary categories: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment.

• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When an employer or supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits or threatens adverse actions for non-compliance.
• Hostile Work Environment Harassment: When repeated unwelcome behaviors create an intimidating or offensive workplace culture.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling diverse cases, ensuring every client receives the justice they deserve.

Common Forms of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can take many forms, each creating a harmful and unprofessional work environment for victims.

• Verbal harassment: Sexual harassment is never funny. When employees or upper managers make unwanted sexual comments or jokes, or sexual propositions, they can cross the line into sexual harassment.
• Physical harassment: Sexual harassment can quickly become a crime when a boss or co-worker inappropriately touches or violates another worker. This could include unwanted touching, groping, or even assault.
• Visual harassment: Workplace culture is important. When offices and managers allow sexually explicit materials to be placed in the workplace, this can meet the criteria for a hostile work environment. Examples of visual harassment include putting up explicit or demeaning posters, showing coworkers inappropriate magazines, or sharing sexual images.
• Cyber harassment: It is not appropriate to send sexual images, advances, or messages to other co-workers or anyone in your organization. Unwanted sexual advances, emails, texts, or social media messages are considered cyber harassment.

Your Employer’s Responsibility and Liability for Sexual Harassment

California law holds employers accountable for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are required to:

• Develop and Enforce Policies: Establish clear, comprehensive sexual harassment policies.
• Train Employees and Supervisors: Conduct regular training to help employees and managers identify and respond to harassment.
• Take Immediate Action: Respond promptly and effectively to any reports of harassment.
• Prevent Retaliation: Protect employees from retaliation when they report incidents of harassment.

Employers who fail to meet these responsibilities can be held legally liable for their employees’ actions.

Employer Tactics in Sexual Harassment Cases

When faced with sexual harassment claims, companies and their legal teams often adopt aggressive defense strategies. These may include:

• Denying awareness of harassment.
• Claiming they implemented all necessary preventative measures.
• Attempting to shift blame onto the victim.

These tactics can make it even more challenging for victims to seek justice, highlighting the need for strong legal representation.

How We Hold Employers Accountable

At MJB Law Group, we are dedicated to uncovering the truth and proving that your employer allowed or encouraged a hostile work environment. Our experienced legal team will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into your case.
• Collect and analyze evidence to establish employer negligence or misconduct.
• Fight to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, don’t face it alone. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let us help you hold your employer accountable.

Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Harassment in California

If you are a victim of sexual harassment in California, do you know what to do or where to turn? What are your legal options, and how can you obtain justice?

Victims of sexual harassment have several legal pathways to seek justice:

1. Document the Harassment: Maintain records of incidents, including texts, emails, and witness accounts.
2. Report the Behavior: Inform your HR department or a trusted supervisor.
3. File a Complaint: Lodge a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
4. Consult an Attorney: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.

To help you explore your legal options better, our attorneys will meet with you in a FREE consultation. We want to learn more about what happened to you, so we can help you make the best choice for your future

When Does Sexual Harassment Become a Crime?

Sexual harassment crosses into criminal behavior in certain situations. Unlike civil lawsuits, criminal cases involve acts that violate the law. For example, stalking, rape, and assault are criminal offenses that require immediate attention from your local police department.

If you feel your safety is at risk, you can seek a restraining order against the harasser. A restraining order legally prohibits them from contacting or approaching you. Violating this order can lead to criminal charges, providing additional protection under the law.

Stay proactive in protecting yourself and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re in danger.

Filing a California Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Filing a sexual harassment lawsuit can be emotionally challenging, but with MJB Law Group by your side, you can protect your legal rights and seek justice. Our team will immediately start building a strong case to hold the harasser or employer accountable.

To win your case, we’ll gather critical evidence such as video footage, witness statements, and emails to prove harassment occurred. While this process can be difficult, our firm knows how to efficiently secure the proof you need.

We may also need to demonstrate that your employer was negligent in preventing or addressing harassment. This could involve showing that they lacked a solid harassment policy or failed to properly investigate complaints.

Stand Strong Against Harassment with MJJB Law Group

No one should ever have to endure sexual harassment in the workplace. You have the right to a safe and respectful environment, and with the support of MJB Law Group, you can take action to hold those responsible accountable.

Don’t wait—your future and well-being are too important. Contact us today and let us help you take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve. Call us at (949) 541-7964 or fill out this contact form to get started. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Looking for Help with Other Employment Issues?

We specialize in a wide range of employment law matters, including misclassification, discrimination, and wage disputes. 

Our experienced attorneys proudly offer the legal support you need to navigate challenging workplace issues.