What happens if you are accused of sexual harassment at work?

What happens if you are accused of sexual harassment at work?

Depending upon the nature of the misconduct in question, a single incident of workplace sexual harassment can constitute grounds for immediate dismissal. Employers need to follow their workplace harassment policies, but, in any event, should investigate allegations of workplace sexual harassment.

Can a banter be considered sexual harassment in the workplace?

What some people might consider as joking, ‘banter’ or part of their workplace culture can still be sexual harassment if the behaviour is of a sexual nature and it’s unwanted. The law on harassment Harassment includes bullying because of certain ‘protected characteristics’ and is against the law.

Are there laws to protect employees from harassment?

Federal and state laws protect employees from harassment because of sex in the workplace. As a result, almost all employers today have policies that provide for prompt investigations into sexual harassment complaints; and require appropriate corrective action for violations of the sexual harassment policy.

Why is it necessary to cooperate with a sexual harassment investigation?

Your company is also going to conduct the investigation regardless of your presence in the office which makes your cooperation necessary. There are numerous reasons why someone may want to accuse you of false sexual harassment allegations.

What qualifies as sexual harassment at work?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unwelcome touching, sexist or sexual remarks or jokes, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature, that directly or indirectly affect the victim negatively at work.

Is cursing someone out harrassment at work?

Excessive cussing can certainly create the first type of hostile environment , in the sense that it can make the workplace unpleasant, hurt morale, and create stress, but it doesn’t usually create legal liability for harassment. To create liability for discriminatory harassment, the cussing usually has to have some additional element.

How to avoid a harassment charge at work?

The best way to avoid any sexual harassment accusations at work place is to avoid touching anybody intimately. Other things to avoid is putting up any pornographic photographs at the workplace, making sexual comments or cutting indecent jokes. Such things have no value or meaning in a workplace and thus, it is better to avoid them.

What can a victim of workplace harassment do?

Victims of harassment can apply for a Protection Order (PO) and an Expedited Protection Order (EPO). The victim of harassment can also commence a civil suit against the harasser for monetary damages. It is possible to initiate both criminal and civil actions at the same time.