Protections Against Harassment in Bakersfield

Workplace harassment occurs when one party participates in conduct against another that creates a hostile environment. Harassment can include offensive jokes, slurs, threats, and unwanted touching. Have you been the victim of unwanted behavior like this from a co-worker or supervisor? Do you feel uncomfortable at work? Harassment is illegal in the workplace, and you may have legal recourse.

There are protections against harassment in Bakersfield. A workplace harassment lawyer can help you take action. At LNN, our attorneys are experienced in this field and understand how to protect workers who face illegal harassment at work.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

According to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), harassment can include a variety of actions, including touching, threats, creating an intolerant workplace, or establishing an otherwise hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur in the workplace, which can include inappropriate sexual comments, persistently asking somebody to go out on dates, exposing workers to sexual materials, and forcing others to engage in sexual conversations. There are several types of harassment:

• Verbal: Slurs, insults, threats, derogatory comments
• Physical: Touching, assault, invading space, blocking one’s ability to move
• Visual: Offensive emails, social media posts, and images posted in the workplace
• Career: Sabotaging a victim’s work or offering constant criticism
• Sexual: Making unwanted advances
• Social: Creating an environment of exclusion

Often, harassment is based on protected characteristics. These include race, religion, age, national origin, disability, medical conditions, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Who Can Perpetuate Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment is often perpetrated by co-workers, but supervisors and employers can also participate in these behaviors. Harassment occurs in many forms, and it can be perpetuated by several parties at once. For instance, one co-worker can rope in other co-workers to participate in harassing behaviors. This can travel up the chain to an employer who retaliates against the person who complains about the harassment. Ongoing harassment does not occur in a vacuum. Several parties could be held liable when this happens.

Employers Have a Responsibility to Prevent Harassment

Employers must prevent harassment with clear written policies that are distributed to employees. They must also adhere to those policies, offering prompt action when complaints of harassment are made. Workplaces with more than five employees must provide harassment training. Employers can be held liable for harassment if they fail to take action or perpetuate negative consequences for employees who claim to be victims.

Those who are victims of harassment should first report the conduct internally and continue to document behavior as it occurs. Each instance of harassment should be reported in writing to Human Resources or a manager. If the harassment continues, workers can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. If harassment continues, workers can sue an employer for allowing the environment to continue, even if the harassment led them to quit a job.

Speak With an Employment Attorney to Protect Your Rights After Harassment

An employment attorney can connect you with protections against harassment in Bakersfield. You have the right to work without harassment of any kind, and employers that do not protect you can be held liable. If you were terminated in retaliation or had to quit due to a hostile work environment, you may have legal recourse.

At LNN, our attorneys understand that harassment takes a physical and emotional toll on your life. Call our team today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.