When you go to work, you expect professionalism, respect, and a safe environment. When sexual harassment occurs, it can shatter that expectation, making it hard to do your job and leaving you feeling vulnerable.
If you’ve experienced harassment in your Boston-area workplace, you deserve to take action. The Boston sexual harassment lawyers at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard work every day to secure justice for clients who have faced unfair treatment while working.
We hold corporations accountable for wrongdoing that occurs in their offices. When you come to us, our Boston harassment and hostile work environment lawyer will listen to you and work to resolve your matter. Call for a free review of your legal options.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate comments, or requests for sexual favors. It can involve a boss, coworker, or even a client.
The behavior doesn’t have to be physical—verbal harassment and other non-physical conduct can also be considered illegal.
The two primary types of sexual harassment in the workplace are:
- Quid pro quo harassment: This involves someone in a position of power offering work-related benefits, like promotions or job security, in exchange for sexual favors.
- Hostile work environment: This occurs when the workplace becomes intimidating, hostile, or offensive due to repeated or severe harassment.
Recognizing Sexual Harassment in Various Forms
Sexual harassment isn’t always obvious or direct. It can be disguised as “just joking” or casual behavior. However, if an incident makes someone feel uncomfortable, degraded, or threatened, it crosses the line.
Sexual harassment can occur in the office in any of these ways:
- Displaying or sharing inappropriate content: Circulating sexually explicit images, videos, or materials—like offensive posters or emails—can create a hostile environment.
- Sexual favoritism: Favoritism toward employees who submit to sexual advances creates an unfair, hostile environment and contributes to a toxic workplace culture.
- Invasive personal questions: Repeatedly asking about a coworker’s dating history, sexual preferences, or relationships—even in a “friendly” way—can be subtle harassment and invade personal boundaries.
These examples can help you recognize when sexual harassment is happening, even incidents that qualify as sexual harassment that aren’t widely known. You have the right to work in an environment free from harassment.
If you experience any of these behaviors, our Boston labor and employment lawyers can review the legal options that protect you and hold others responsible for their actions.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual harassment lawyer serving Boston, call (860) 999-9394
You Have Rights Under State and Federal Laws
Federal and Massachusetts laws protect employees from sexual harassment in the workplace. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act (Chapter 151B), it is illegal for employers to tolerate sexual harassment.
The laws are designed to protect your dignity and ensure that your workplace remains free from harassment. They not only make it clear that harassment is unacceptable but also provide you with the right to report it without fear of retaliation in the workplace.
You can file a complaint with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
If your employer does not address the issue or takes retaliatory actions against you, our Boston workplace retaliation lawyers can pursue legal remedies on your behalf. Call us today for a free consultation. We are ready to get started on building your case.
Boston Sexual Harassment Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
How Our Boston Sexual Harassment Attorneys Can Help
We know state and federal laws and how they can affect your case’s outcome. Our attorneys understand how serious sexual harassment is and how it affects employees. We also know it can be difficult to take legal action against your employer.
You don’t have to handle this matter alone. Our sexual harassment lawyers in Boston, MA, can support you by:
- Listening to your story: We care about what happened to you. We will meet with you to fully understand what you’ve experienced and discuss your options.
- Investigating your claims: We gather evidence, such as emails, text messages, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
- Filing complaints: We can help you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
- Holding the harasser and employer accountable: We work to ensure those responsible are held accountable, whether through negotiations or taking the case to court.
- Pursuing compensation: You may be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffered.
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What Damages Are Available in a Boston Sexual Harassment Case?
Damages in cases involving sexual harassment aim to address the harm victims have suffered and hold the responsible parties accountable. Compensatory damages are designed to cover the emotional, financial, and psychological effects of the harassment you suffered.
They can include:
- Emotional distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, or other mental health struggles caused by the harassment.
- Lost pay: If you missed work or lost your job due to harassment, you may be compensated for lost income, including back pay and future lost earnings.
- Medical expenses: If you sought therapy or other treatments as a result of the harassment, you can recover those costs.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can be awarded in cases where the harasser’s conduct was particularly egregious, or the employer acted with gross negligence. These damages intend to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
It should be noted that these damages are rarely awarded and are up to the court to decide. Our sexual harassment attorneys handling cases in Boston, MA, can advise if these damages are possible in your case.
Injunctive Relief
The court could order your employer to make changes in the workplace because of the incident. These changes could include revising policies, providing additional training, or implementing measures to prevent future harassment.
This relief is aimed at improving your work environment and protecting others from experiencing similar issues.
Job Reinstatement or Promotion
If your employer demoted, terminated, or denied you a promotion because you reported the harassment, you could regain your position or receive the promotion you were unfairly denied.
Each case is different, so the damages awarded can vary. Generally, receiving compensation for your losses is supposed to help you recover and rebuild after experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.
By pursuing a claim, you not only seek justice for yourself but also contribute to creating a safer environment for others.
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What Can You Do After Facing Sexual Harassment at Work?
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, you have options to protect yourself and hold those responsible accountable. Here are some steps you can take if you’ve faced sexual harassment:
Document All Incidents Involving Harassment
Keep a record of each incident, noting dates, times, locations, people involved, and what was said or done. Save any relevant evidence, like emails, text messages, or witness statements. Detailed documentation will help if you decide to file a formal complaint or pursue legal action.
Report the Harassment to Your Employer Promptly
Follow your company’s procedures for reporting sexual harassment, which may involve notifying a supervisor or Human Resources department. Even if you’re worried about retaliation, reporting the behavior is a key step in protecting your rights.
Go On Record and File a Formal Complaint
If your employer doesn’t take appropriate action or if you’re uncomfortable reporting the harassment internally, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). These agencies investigate harassment claims and can help you seek justice.
Consult with a Boston Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Our sexual harassment attorneys in Boston will explain your rights and recommend the best approach to your case. We will also take care of the entire legal process for you.
Seek Support From Those You Trust
Dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace can be emotionally taxing. Consider reaching out to a support group, counselor, or trusted friends and family. We encourage you to get help. Do not go through this alone.
Call Us Today: Our Boston Sexual Harassment Lawyer Can Help
Taking action against sexual harassment is not easy, but you must do what is right for you. Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard believe all employees should come to work and be able to do their jobs without fear of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
Our Boston sexual harassment lawyers will hold your company accountable for the wrongdoing you endured and provide professional representation and emotional support as you pursue your case. Call us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form