Santa Clarita Sexual Harassment Lawyer

The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer

If you are being sexually harassed in Santa Clarita, it is a good idea to hire an attorney. A sexual harassment attorney will be familiar with the pertinent legal issues in cases like these. An attorney can help you with the procedural matters of your case, and they can be valuable in providing you with information and assurance about your case.

Furthermore, a lawyer can provide you with emotional support but also act as your advocate in the courtroom or outside of court, negotiating for you. If you have an employment lawyer representing you, you will be more successful in holding your harasser accountable for their actions and achieving the result you are seeking.

Reporting Sexual Harassment at Work

If you are being sexually harassed, you must take the right steps to protect your rights. Immediately start keeping a detailed log, including the dates, times, places, and details of the harassing conduct, witnesses, and any other documentation that you have, such as emails or texts. Report the harassment to your employer, to your Human Resources department, or to another company leader who has the authority to address the harassment.

If the harassment continues, or if your employer takes no action, you can then file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Detailed records and proper reporting serve to preserve a strong harassment claim.

Rights and Protections for Victims

In California, victims of sexual harassment can seek protection under several laws: the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Ralph Civil Rights Act, and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which apply to other public places, including housing, the media, and schools. The laws provide protection in the workplace and in other public spaces and facilities.

Victims can file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), sue for damages for emotional distress, medical costs, and attorney’s fees, and take legal action against the harasser’s employer (or the entity that failed to adequately prevent or remediate the harassing behavior.)

Additionally, resources such as counseling services, hotlines, and support groups are available to help victims cope with the impact of harassment, providing both emotional and legal support throughout the process.

Support Systems and Resources

Victims of sexual harassment in California are fortunate enough to have access to many different types of resources and programs designed to support their well-being. Agencies like the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) provide crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy services. Legal aid societies help with the complaint process and related litigation.

Hotlines like the National Sexual Assault Hotline provide confidential counsel and information. These types of resources have an important role to play in helping victims cope and heal, as well as in getting recourse from the party (or parties) responsible. There are a number of resources of this kind that a person can access to help them deal with the impact of being harassed.

FAQs for Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Q: What Makes a Strong Harassment Case?

A: A strong harassment case has a foundation of solid evidence. Anyone seeking justice needs to provide indisputable details (dates, times, places, and descriptions) that the accused would have to refute.

Statements from third parties help to establish credibility, along with emails, text messages, videos, or other documented evidence. If the victim’s story is consistent and supportable, and someone else’s testimony corroborates it, the harassment case is that much stronger and more compelling in front of a court.

Q: Why Is Harassment So Difficult to Prove?

A: It can be hard to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone harassed you because cases typically involve no tangible evidence. Some instances of harassment take place in private or are otherwise subtle, and victims might be too scared to report the harassment. There might also be disputes over perceptions and interpretations of behavior, making it difficult to prove.

Q: What Behaviors Are Not Considered Harassment?

A: Not all conduct that is uncomfortable or unwelcome to the recipient is harassment. It is not harassment when critiques or performance reviews are given fairly and evenly across all employees. It is not harassment when an employee is transferred or demoted for poor performance. It is also not harassment when a workplace policy or procedure is evenly applied across the workplace.

Q: How to Defend Yourself Against False Accusations of Harassment?

A: To defend against false accusations of harassment, be sure to gather and present evidence that refutes the claims. This can often include emails, text messages, or witness testimonies that support your version of what happened between you and your accuser. It is also advisable to seek legal counsel to navigate the process effectively.

Contact a Santa Clarita Sexual Harassment Lawyer

We understand that your rights and dignity as a human being are of utmost importance. Nosrati Law, A Professional Law Corporation, is here to fight for your rights. If you have been sexually harassed in Santa Clarita, contact our team today.

Our team will support you every step of the way, using our legal experience and compassion to strive for a just outcome. Contact us now for your confidential consultation.