Bullying – The Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Companion

Sacramento, CA (Law Firm Newswire) March 10, 2015 – Bullying in the workplace may also involve sexual harassment. Stop it by contacting an experienced sexual harassment attorney.

Abusive, bullying conduct may involve, but not be limited to: verbal and physical abuse, intimidation, threats, humiliation and sexual harassment. A National Bullying Institute survey shows 27 percent of workers are previous or current victims of bullying in the workplace. The survey also indicates that 70 percent of respondents believe bullying in the workplace is a real, ongoing issue.

California is working towards enacting a law that mandates all employers with 50 or more workers to include lessons relating to workplace bullying in sexual harassment training for supervisors. This would be relevant to a training module, as many instances of workplace bullying begin with the perpetrator not getting the sexual favors they demand causing the harassment to become bullying. Some do not realize that bullying may also be a component or companion of sexual harassment.

“What’s more shocking is the fact that California has no bullying protection, no law in place to protect workers,” says Sacramento sexual harassment attorney, Deborah Barron. “There is, in essence, no recourse for a bullied worker because those kinds of actions do not always fall under the definition of harassment or discrimination, although the line between bullying, harassment and discrimination is very thin.”

One of the most recent and very graphic demonstrations of bullying in the workplace involves the firing of the founder of American Apparel, Dov Charney, for alleged sexual harassment. This may have been interpreted by workers, given his status, as bullying for sexual favors with their jobs held as a potential consequence for non-compliance. He was also accused of using racist language with former female workers while asking them to perform sex acts against their will. As a result of that upheaval, American Apparel, sans Charney, now has strict harassment rules in place.

“Given the volatility of so many workplaces these days, it only makes good sense to be aware of all your legal rights while you are employed,” Barron adds. “If you feel you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace or are not certain if you are, get in touch with a competent, knowledgeable sexual harassment attorney. You are entitled to be protected from sexual harassment on-the-job.”

For further information relation to sexual harassment in the workplace, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/sexual_harassment.cfm Further information may also be located at the American Association of University Women website: http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/legal-resources/know-your-rights-at-work/workplace-sexual-harassment/

Learn more at http://www.lawbarron.com/