Is Workplace Sexual Harassment in New Jersey Getting Better?

It seems like every day a new victim comes forward with their own allegations of abuse perpetrated by a prominent public figure. With all this awareness about sexual harassment, the impact it has on its victims, and the consequences facing abusers, you might assume workplace sexual harassment would be on the decline. Yet, a recent survey conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University suggests otherwise.

According to the more than 600 New Jersey residents polled earlier this year, 63 percent said they believe workplace sexual harassment is still as prevalent as ever. One-third of New Jersey women said they have personally been the victim of sexual harassment at work at some point in their career.

However, there is some good news in the study. The #MeToo movement is having a positive impact on workplace harassment in at least one way. Eighty-four percent of working residents polled said they would feel comfortable reporting sexual harassment to their employer, whether it happened directly to them or they witnessed it happening to a coworker.

The men and women who continue to come forward with allegations of sexual harassment seem to be empowering others to share their experiences. Employers are taking sexual harassment more seriously as well. Seventy percent of workers polled said they believed their employer followed through on sexual harassment claims.

Defining Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment under the law is considered unwelcome sexual comments, advances, request for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal harassment of a sexual nature. The harassing behavior potentially becomes illegal when the victim is required to endure it as a condition of the job or when it becomes so offensive that it creates a hostile work environment.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

If you believe you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment, the first step is to speak up to your abuser. Tell them you find their behavior offensive and want it to stop. Next, notify your employer. Follow their established procedures for reporting sexual harassment. From there you may decide to file a claim with the appropriate government agency and pursue a civil lawsuit for emotional or physical injuries you suffered due to the sexual harassment.

Any retaliation against you for reporting harassment or objecting to it at work is illegal. If you believe you are being penalized at work for taking a stand against sexual harassment, you should contact a South Jersey sexual harassment lawyer to protect your rights and provide legal guidance.

South Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C Tackle Harassment Claims in New Jersey

At Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C., our South Jersey sexual harassment lawyers have experience with complex sexual harassment cases and are ready to advocate for you. To learn about your next best step for your sexual harassment claim, schedule a free case consultation by calling 215-569-1999 or contact us online today. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and throughout New Jersey.