A study of nearly 600 staffers, legislators, lobbyists and other Hartford, Connecticut capitol workers found that one in five respondents had been sexually harassed within the last five years. These studies are an important step in showing the world that sexual harassment is prevalent no matter the industry.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Federal law prohibits sexual harassment through Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This applies to employers that have 15 or more employees. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination that explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
It is important that when unwelcome conduct crosses the line and becomes severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment to seek the advice from a qualified employment lawyer experienced in sexual harassment cases for advice and help.
State Capitol Sexual Harassment
The study performed at the Hartford state Capitol found that roughly 15% of victims experienced sexual harassment by a legislator. Plus, one in five respondents experienced unwanted sexual contact, uncomfortable visits or phone calls, sexually provocative jokes and stories and other forms of inappropriate workplace behavior.
The capitol decided to enact a new policy to enhance the complaint process. In the past, the process for lodging complaints about workplace harassment at the Capitol was unclear. However, now any lawmaker, employee or outside party who receives a sexual harassment complaint is required to notify human resources. This includes all legislative-sponsored events and activities even those outside the state Capitol.
Most victims did not report the sexual harassment. In fact, fewer than 1% filed a report. Also, 6% did confront the perpetrator and asked him or her to stop. But, the abuser often put the fear of retaliation as the reason for the victim’s to not report the incident.
Get Help After Sexual Harassment
However, if you have experienced sexual harassment in any form in your field, you should contact a qualified employment attorney as soon as possible. If the harassment has not stopped after making a formal complaint, consulting a harassment lawyer is your best option. Your attorney will be able to provide further guidance. This could include helping you file a claim with the EEOC. Plus, an attorney will aid in building a case that will put an end to what you have experienced.