Tampa Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Protecting Employees' Rights Across Florida

No employee should be subjected to unwanted sexual advances or offensive conduct. If you have experienced any type of sexual harassment at work, you have the right to report such conduct and may even have grounds for legal action. 

You may be entitled to compensation and other remedies for the harm you have experienced, and the Tampa sexual harassment attorneys at our firm can take the necessary steps to stop harassment and help you achieve a safe work environment.

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What Is Sexual Harassment?

If any of the following acts were committed and affected your employment, promotion, or compensation, interfered with your job, led to a wrongful termination, and/or created an intimidating, offensive, discriminatory, or hostile work environment, this may constitute sexual harassment, and you may have grounds for a case. A sexual harassment attorney in Tampa can help!

Sexual harassment in the workplace is not limited to overt physical actions; it can also manifest in verbal and non-verbal gestures that create an unwelcome work environment. It's crucial to understand your rights and the options available to address such misconduct promptly and appropriately.

What Is Considered Sexual Harassment?

A case of sexual harassment can sometimes be difficult to identify. Generally, sexual harassment falls under one of two categories. Understanding these categories helps in recognizing the nuances of behavior that may not be overtly aggressive but is still harmful and disruptive.

Chapter 60L-36.004(1) of the Florida Administrative Code Defines Sexual Harassment As:

• Unwelcome sexual advances;
• Requests for sexual favors; and
• Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

What Are the Two Types of Sexual Harassment?

• Quid Pro Quo - An employment benefit is made or implied to be provided in exchange for a sexual favor or withheld if the sexual favor is not granted.
• Hostile Work Environment - The employee or employees are subject to frequent or severe images, comments, or actions of a sexual nature.

Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Hostile work environment cases have started gaining more attention recently. It's important for employers to foster an atmosphere where employees feel safe to report such misconduct without fear of retribution.

Examples of Sexual Harassment via a Hostile Work Environment Include:

• Sharing sexually explicit media with co-workers
• Engaging in suggestive conversation via notes or email
• Displaying sexual or suggestive images in the workplace
• Telling inappropriate jokes or stories of a sexual nature
• Staring, whistling, or making inappropriate gestures
• Making suggestive comments about one's appearance
• Inappropriately intimate touching
• Asking questions or making offensive comments about someone's sexual history, orientation, or gender identity

Importantly, in the case of targeted harassment, those affected don’t just include the targeted victim. Co-workers standing nearby or overhearing conversations can also become victimized by sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers have a duty to prevent and address such behaviors to promote a safe and professional work environment.

What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment in Florida?

A hostile work environment in Florida is defined as a workplace that is intimidating, offensive, hostile, or abusive to an employee. Recognizing and addressing these conditions promptly is essential for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.

Examples of behavior that could create a hostile work environment include:

• Derogatory comments
• Insults
• Jokes
• Slurs
• Unwanted physical contact or threats of harm

Florida employees who experience such behavior should report it to their employer to protect their legal rights and seek a resolution. The employer must then take prompt action to prevent further harassment and investigate the complaint thoroughly. This proactive approach can help foster a safer and more inclusive work environment.

Who Can Be a Victim of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. It can happen in any environment, including work and school settings. Victims of sexual harassment may be harassed directly or indirectly by someone they know well, like a colleague or teacher, or by a stranger.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, such as sexual advances, comments about physical appearance or body parts, requests for sexual favors, or inappropriate physical contact. No one should have to suffer in silence — it’s important that victims of harassment seek help and support. Reach out to a supportive network that may include HR departments, legal counsel, or employee assistance programs to find guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Understanding Quid Pro Quo in Tampa's Workplaces

In the cities of Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, the issue of workplace harassment, particularly the concept of quid pro quo, is a pressing concern for many employees. Local businesses and organizations must be aware of the implications of such behavior, as it not only affects the individuals involved but can also tarnish the reputation of the entire workplace. The Hillsborough County Office of Human Relations and the Florida Commission on Human Relations are resources available to employees who may need guidance on reporting incidents of harassment.

Employees in Tampa may face unique challenges when it comes to addressing quid pro quo situations. For instance, the competitive job market can create an environment where individuals feel pressured to comply with inappropriate requests to secure promotions or job stability. This can lead to a culture of silence, where victims fear retaliation or job loss if they speak out.

Local government entities, such as the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, provide support and resources for employees seeking to navigate these difficult situations. They can help connect you with legal assistance and counseling services, ensuring that you have the tools necessary to address harassment. Educational workshops and awareness programs by these organizations can further equip employees with knowledge about how to handle such scenarios effectively.

You are not alone in facing these challenges. Many individuals have experienced similar situations, and there are avenues for seeking justice and creating a safer work environment. If you believe you have been subjected to quid pro quo harassment, it’s important to take action and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the local landscape and can advocate for your rights.

Contact Justice Litigation Attorneys LLC by calling (800) 219-1324 to find out how our highly skilled Tampa sexual harassment lawyer can expose wrongdoing in the workplace and see justice served in Miami, Orlando, and all throughout Florida.