California Sexual Harassment Attorney
Protecting Employees. Holding Employers Accountable.
- No upfront costs; pay only when you win
- 100% confidential consultations
- Available 24/7 to answer your questions
- Protection against retaliation for asserting workplace rights
- Experience handling cases while you’re still employed
100% confidential. Your information is private and secure.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by federal law. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment is illegal when:
- Your employment is affected because you submitted to or rejected the unwelcome conduct (such as being fired, demoted, or denied a promotion)
- The conduct unreasonably interferes with your ability to do your job
- The conduct creates a hostile or intimidating work environment
Federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) protects employees who work for employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local government agencies and certain federal government positions.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, you have legal rights.
Contact Victory Law Group for a confidential consultation.
Common Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many forms. Some common examples include:
- Unwanted sexual advances or invitations
- Visual conduct – such as making sexual gestures, displaying sexually explicit pictures or objects, or inappropriate staring
- Verbal conduct – such as making degrading comments, lewd remarks, sexually explicit jokes, or unwelcome comments about a person’s body, clothing, appearance, or sexual activity
- Physical conduct – such as unwanted touching, groping, or blocking an employee’s ability to move
- Quid pro quo harassment – offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors, or demanding submission to sexual requests as a condition of continued employment
- Retaliation – making or threatening negative consequences after someone rejects sexual advances
California law protects:
- Employees who are directly targeted by sexual harassment
- Employees who witness sexual harassment (for example, a woman who witnesses her co-workers being groped or propositioned)
- Employees who support or help others who are victims of harassment
Sexual harassment does not always involve sexual attraction or desire. It can also be motivated by a desire to dominate, control, or abuse power.
Sexual harassment laws are gender neutral—the harasser can be a man or a woman, and the victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
If you’ve experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, contact Victory Law Group for a confidential consultation.
Three Major Forms of Harassment
Workplace harassment generally falls into three categories: verbal, nonverbal, and physical.
Verbal Harassment
Examples include:
- Sexual or suggestive comments
- Making fun of someone or mocking the way they speak
- Sexual propositions or requests
- Obscene phone calls or messages
- Offensive jokes
- Repeatedly prying into someone’s personal life
- Threats or insults
- Inappropriate language in the workplace
Nonverbal Harassment
Examples include:
- Displaying offensive material or sexually suggestive images in the workplace
- Suggestive staring, gazes, or facial expressions
- Following someone or stalking
- Sabotaging someone’s work by withholding information or resources
- Offensive gestures
- Encouraging a coworker to harass or speak disrespectfully about someone
- Assigning domestic tasks (such as cleaning up after meetings) only to women
Physical Harassment
Examples include:
- Unwanted physical contact such as pinching, brushing up against someone, or hugging without consent
- Sexual assault, including attempting to touch someone’s breasts or genitals
- Pushing, shoving, or jostling
- Placing your hand or an object into someone’s pocket without permission
We're Here to Help
If you’ve been sexually harassed at work, an employment attorney at Victory Law Group can help. Fill out our online form or call us today, and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.
All consultations are confidential and free.
Not sure if you have a case? We’ll review your situation for free and explain what compensation you may be entitled to.
Common Questions About Your Workplace Rights in California
We understand you have questions and concerns about what happens next. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from employees facing workplace issues.
Can my employer fire me for talking to a lawyer?
No. California law prohibits retaliation against employees for consulting with an attorney about workplace issues. Your employer cannot legally fire, demote, or punish you for seeking legal advice or asserting your rights. If retaliation does occur, it may strengthen your case.
How much does it cost to hire an employment attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk to you for exploring your legal options.
Will my employer find out I contacted you?
Not unless you want them to. Initial consultations are 100% confidential. Your employer will not know you spoke with us unless and until you decide to move forward with a claim or legal action.
How long does an employment case take?
It varies. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation and keep you informed at every step.
Do I have to quit my job to pursue a claim?
No. Many of our clients are still employed when they contact us. We handle cases discreetly and can advise you on how to protect your rights while you’re still working.
What if I signed an arbitration agreement or employment contract?
Many employment contracts include arbitration clauses, but that doesn’t mean you’ve waived your rights. We can review your contract and explain how it affects your options.
How do I know if I have a strong case?
The best way to know is to speak with an experienced employment attorney who can evaluate the facts of your situation. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand whether you have a viable claim.
Still have questions? We’re happy to answer them during your free consultation. No pressure. No obligation.