Sexual Advances

If you think something is off, it most likely is. It is sexual harassment and illegal to subject an employee to unwelcome and unwanted sexual harassment. Sexual advances could be unwelcome or unwanted actions disguised by the perpetrator as teasing, friendliness or playfulness with the aim of gaining some sort of sexual favor or gratification. Whether there is a pattern or the conduct happens just once, and even though, the perpetrator pretends it was a “joke” or that it “was not that serious,” sexual advances can create a hostile and intense workplace environment and in most cases these conducts are carried out when there are no witnesses present; therefore, it is important to maintain a record of the said sexual advances. Unwelcome and unwanted sexual advances in workplaces can be very recurrent and as such victims of this type of sexual harassment are considerable of either gender.

Some examples of unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances in a workplace are:

  • Putting hands on someone’s shoulders;
  • Blowing into her ear or any other suggestive form of touch;
  • Hugging;
  • Kissing;
  • Fondling;
  • Staring in a suggestive or offensive manner;
  • Touching oneself sexually for others to view;
  • Sharing obscene or erotic jokes;
  • Telling stories about sexual preferences or activities;
  • Comments about a person’s clothing, appearance, or body parts
  • Unwelcome and inappropriate calls, letters, or emails;
  • Inquiring about past sexual history;
  • Viewing or sharing sexually offensive images or videos;
  • Offensive comments about gender identity or sexual orientation.

At DeToffol & Gittleman, we are aware of your rights not to be sexually harassed or discriminated against in your workplace so we are here to listen to you and to ensure that you do not have to put up with any form of sex advances while you work or even party with co-workers and when you have been sexually harassed, we see to it that you get the compensation you deserve. We are aggressive advocates for our clients and have substantial experience in all forms of workplace discrimination and harassment claims. So, for your free and confidential consultation, contact us today at (212) 962-2220.