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Los Angeles Sexting or Email Sexual Harassment

Posted by Eric Kingsley | Oct 04, 2023 | 0 Comments

Feeling a deep dread, one takes each step cautiously as if traversing an unknown minefield - such is the anxiety that many employees in Los Angeles experience when they open their work emails. It's like walking through a field, not knowing if the next step will trigger a landmine. For many employees in Los Angeles, this dread isn't due to an overwhelming workload but because of something far more sinister: sexual harassment by sexting or email.

The reality is, every 'ding' of an incoming message can be a potential assault on their dignity. No one should feel unsafe while simply trying to do their job. But how do we navigate this digital minefield?

In this enlightening journey, we'll arm you with knowledge about what constitutes sexual harassment in our increasingly online world and empower you with legal protections at your disposal. We'll dissect the different types of harassment and guide you on identifying instances that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Table of Contents:

Table Of Contents:

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The landscape of workplace dynamics has changed dramatically, thanks to evolving laws and cultural shifts. It's critical to comprehend what qualifies as sexual harassment in the current climate, particularly concerning contemporary communication methods like sexting and emails.

Defining Sexual Harassment

In both California law and federal law, sexual harassment is viewed as an unwelcome conduct based on sex or gender. This includes any unwanted advances or requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical actions that create a hostile work environment. It can also include sexually explicit comments, gestures or displaying sexually suggestive objects.

There are still significant cases reported every year despite stricter laws against such behaviors at workplaces.

This means that no one should feel threatened by these kinds of behavior while working in Los Angeles - neither men nor women.  Learn more about what behaviors may be considered sexual harassment here.

Sexting and Emails as Forms of Harassment

Emails offer a digital paper trail often used by experienced sexual harassment lawyers when building up their case. If someone sends inappropriate images via email during work hours or uses company equipment - it may fall under employment law violations related to sexual misconduct.

Sexting takes this issue even further into personal territory but remains just as damaging if not handled properly from an HR standpoint.

Digging Deeper Into Sexting At Work

"When we talk about 'sexting', we mean sending explicit messages via text messaging services," says Dr Sarah Roberts-Bowman from the Department Of Communications Studies at Northeastern University. "These can range from suggestive comments to explicit photographs, and it's important to understand that this kind of behavior is just as unacceptable in a work context as more traditional forms of sexual harassment."

Remember, sexting in the workplace can lead to an uncomfortable or even hostile environment. It's important to understand that if someone feels harassed by receiving sexually explicit messages or images through text, this indeed constitutes sexual harassment.

 
Key Takeaway: 

Unwelcome sexting can create a hostile work environment. It's essential to understand that this behavior is not only inappropriate but also illegal. By promoting awareness and enforcing strict policies, we can foster a safer, more respectful workplace for everyone.

Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment

The struggle against workplace sexual harassment is underpinned by various laws. They give victims the courage to step forward and fight for their rights, knowing they're legally protected.  

Related Reading: Sexual harassment lawsuit settlements

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), one of the most comprehensive state-level protections, doesn't tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination based on sex.

In a nutshell, FEHA covers businesses with five or more employees. It not only protects full-time workers but also part-timers, unpaid interns, job applicants - virtually anyone in an employment context. This law applies even if harassers aren't superiors; co-workers or non-employees can be held accountable too.

If you feel your employer isn't taking appropriate action despite reporting sexual misconducts within your organization, it's time to consider legal help. Experienced Los Angeles-based attorneys are well-versed in navigating complex cases involving violations of California law like FEHA.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Moving from state-level legislation to federal protection measures: Title VII plays a vital role here. The landmark Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating on grounds including sex across America - not just sunny California.

This important act forms part of our broader civil rights movement history, addressing gender-based disparities in the workplace. It ensures fair employment opportunities, free from hostile work environments.

Title VII applies to organizations with at least 15 employees, covering not just workers but also applicants and even former employees.

The Intersection of FEHA and Title VII

If you're wondering which law has more weight - it's actually a matter of what works best for your situation. Both laws complement each other providing an umbrella of protection against sexual harassment.

Let's paint a picture: think of both laws as layers on a particular structure. By picturing both laws as layers of a particular structure, it's simpler to understand their role and function.

 
Key Takeaway: 

Stand up, Speak out: If you're facing workplace sexual harassment in Los Angeles, know that laws like FEHA and Title VII have got your back. They protect everyone - full-timers, part-timers, interns or job applicants - from sex-based discrimination. Remember: coworkers or non-employees can be held accountable too. It's not just about the immediate work environment; this protection extends to every corner of your professional life.

Types of Sexual Harassment

The term 'sexual harassment' might seem straightforward, but it's a multifaceted issue with several forms. It's like trying to navigate LA traffic without a GPS - confusing and frustrating. So let's delve into the main types: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

This Latin phrase translates as 'something for something'. Imagine you're at an auction in Los Angeles; this is basically bidding employment benefits against sexual favors – an unfair exchange that should never occur. Quid pro quo harassment happens when someone with authority offers job perks or threatens job loss based on your willingness to engage in sexual acts (EEOC). Over 60% of women have experienced this form of harassment at work.

Gretchen Carlson's allegation that her termination was a result of rejecting Roger Ailes' advances highlights the potential consequences of such coercive behavior. This instance demonstrates how continued employment can be jeopardized by such coercive behavior.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

A hostile work environment goes beyond unwanted flirting or inappropriate jokes; it creates an atmosphere where employees feel unsafe or uncomfortable due to persistent unwelcome conduct (like displaying sexually suggestive objects) related to sex. Nearly half of all workers claim they've been exposed to this type of harassing behavior during their career.

An example could involve incessant sexting from a coworker despite requests for them to stop - making your workspace akin to navigating through Skid Row after dark. Unsettling? You bet.

Now, these are just the primary categories. Sexual harassment includes a broad spectrum of behaviors and actions that can create an uncomfortable or unsafe work environment.

Comprehend what counts as harassment so you can spot it when it takes place. It's not always as obvious as being asked for sexual favors in exchange for a promotion or dealing with explicit sexting at work. 

Related Reading: Who is liable when you are harassed by a co-worker?

 
Key Takeaway: 

Understanding these forms of sexual harassment is crucial. It's like navigating LA without a GPS, complex and daunting. 'Quid pro quo' represents one form, where job perks or threats become bargaining chips for sexual favors. On the other hand, it could be an intimidating work environment characterized by persistent unwelcome behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable - perhaps relentless sexting from a coworker or explicit displays at your workplace.

Identifying Sexual Harassment

Recognizing sexual harassment is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment. Let's shed some light on this issue, focusing particularly on the nature and offensiveness of conduct as well as the frequency and context of harassment.

Nature and Offensiveness of Conduct

The first step to identify sexual harassment involves understanding its inherent characteristics. It often revolves around unwanted behaviors with a sexual nature, like suggestive remarks or jokes, explicit emails or texts (sexting), unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, etc.

However, it's not just about sexually explicit actions. The display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, offensive comments about someone's gender can also qualify under this umbrella.

This leads us to our next point: offensiveness. While something may seem harmless to one person but could be distressing to another due their unique experiences and boundaries - that's where things get tricky. Remember, what matters most is how the receiver perceives the action; if they find it uncomfortable or intimidating then chances are high that we're dealing with a case of harassment here.

Frequency and Context of Harassment

The number 9 isn't only important in baseball innings - it plays an essential role in identifying workplace misconduct too. An isolated incident might not necessarily amount to 'harassment'. Repeated, ongoing behavior that occurs over a certain time period is likely to be seen as harassment, unlike an isolated incident.

For example, one off-color joke might not lead to a sexual harassment claim. But repeated jokes or comments? That's when we're entering red flag territory. To further illustrate this point: statistics show that around 10% of reported cases involve only one incident while most others report recurring behaviors.

Whether something is considered as misconduct can greatly depend on the context it occurs in.

 
Key Takeaway: 

Spotting sexual harassment is vital for a healthy workplace. It's all about recognizing unwanted, often sexual behavior - from sexting to offensive comments. Remember, it's not just the action but how it makes someone feel that counts. And frequency matters: one off-color joke might be okay; repeated ones are likely red flags.

Getting Help

Navigating the world of Sexual Harassment by Sexting or Email in Los Angeles is a complex task, but you're not alone. You now understand what constitutes sexual harassment and how it often hides behind screens.

You've learned about legal protections like FEHA and Title VII, ensuring your rights are safeguarded. Remember that no one should endure quid pro quo or hostile work environment harassment for any reason.

You know to consider both the nature and frequency of potentially offensive conduct when identifying instances of this digital assault. Your knowledge is power; use it to uphold dignity at your workplace!

For those who have been sexually harassed at work that want assistance from experienced attorneys, give Kingsley & Kingsley Lawyers a call. Our sexual harassment law firm has helped thousands of employees obtain compensation and justice for the wrongs committed by their employers. Call today for your free consultation.

About the Author

Eric Kingsley

Eric B. Kingsley is a 2023 "Best In Law" Award winner and has litigated over 150 class actions. He is also an AV peer rated attorney and a prolific speaker at various seminars on employment law.

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