Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Common Forms of Sexual Harassment

Legally, sexual harassment is divided into only two classifications: “quid pro quo” and “hostile work environment.” In practice, however, it can take many different forms. Researchers such as Billie Wright Dziech and management consultant Truida Prekel have identified and tried to organize and label the various forms that sexual harassment can take.

Some of the more common forms of sexual harassment include:

Mother/Father Figure: Sometimes a harasser will take on a helpful role with their victim, acting like an older mentor to cover their true intentions. The relationship often begins well, but the harasser will increasingly use their position of power and their victim’s high opinion of them to manipulate the victim into sexual behavior.

Groper: Some people may act professional or friendly most of the time, but cannot seem to keep their hands to themselves whenever an opportunity presents itself. They often take quick pinches or feels of other people’s buttocks or women’s breasts. They may also insist on “friendly” hugs or kisses that make their victims feel uncomfortable.

One-of-the-Gang: This sort of mentality is a common cause of hostile work environments. A group of employees will try to impress one another with lewd and inappropriate language and conduct. They may even gang up on one or more particular employees. Their most common defense is that they are only joking, or that their behavior is all in good fun.

The Bully: Some harassers use sexual behavior to intimidate a fellow employee who they feel has stepped out of line. In these cases, vulgar language and actions are used to instill insecurity and meekness in their victims.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual harassment at the workplace, contact Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney Perry Smith at (888) 356-2529.