Women have long been the disproportionate victims of sexual harassment. That being said, a significant number of men have endured workplace sexual harassment. According to data from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), 19 percent of men have personally experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace. The law is clear: Men are protected against sexual harassment in the workplace. In this article, our New Jersey sexual harassment attorney explains the key things that men should now about workplace sexual harassment claims.
Sexual Harassment Laws are Gender Neutral
As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that employment laws are gender neutral. In other words, this means that women and men are equally protected by sexual harassment laws. A male employee has every right to complain about sexual harassment and/or file a sexual harassment claim. The harassment could come from a woman or another man.
What Male Employees Should Know About Federal and State Sexual Harassment Laws
There are federal and state laws that protect workers against unwanted sexual advances and other forms of sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment is considered to be a form of sex discrimination. Here is what men should know about their rights under federal and state law:
- Federal Law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects workers against sexual harassment by bosses, co-workers, and clients/customers. The statute applies to all employers with 15 or more total employees.
- New Jersey Law: The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) provides similar protections against sexual harassment as Title VII. However, state law also applies to smaller employers. Employers of all sizes are covered by the LAD.
What to Do If You are a Man Who Endured Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Enduring sexual harassment in the workplace can be stressful and traumatic. You should be able to enjoy fair and equitable job opportunities without facing sex-based harassment. Here are three key steps to take if you are a man who endured sexual harassment in the workplace in New Jersey:
- Document the incident. Write down what happened and preserve any relevant evidence.
- Report the harassment. You have the right to report sexual harassment to your employer—both informally and through a formal complaint.
- Seek Legal Guidance: Employment law claims are complicated. A New Jersey sexual harassment lawyer for men can help you navigate the process.
It should be noted that both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and New Jersey’s LAD protect employees against retaliation for complaining about or reporting sexual harassment. If you are a man who was terminated or otherwise punished for reporting harassment, contact a lawyer right away.
Get Help From Our New Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
At the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi, our New Jersey employee rights lawyer has the professional skills, diligence, and knowledge to handle the full range of sexual harassment claims. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to set up a completely confidential consultation. With offices in Parsippany-Troy Hills and Paramus, we represent employees throughout the region.