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Sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which applies to all states of the U.S, including Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It involves any unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with their work, or creates a hostile work environment. Notably, both the victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man and could be the same sex.
Individuals dealing with situations of sexual harassment may require a lawyer to help them understand and navigate their rights, gather and interpret evidence, craft a robust legal strategy, and represent them in negotiations or court. Lawyers can also guide victims through the complex process of filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights, or assist in initiating direct legal action.
Sexual harassment laws in Baton Rouge come under the larger umbrella of federal and state laws against employment discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating based on sex, which includes sexual harassment. Additionally, Louisiana's state discrimination law also prohibits sexual harassment. The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights is responsible for enforcing these laws within the state.
Sexual harassment can include many different behaviors such as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, physical touch or contact, lewd gestures, or explicit or suggestive comments about someone's appearance, gender, or sex life.
Yes, under federal law, a charge must be filed with the EEOC within 180 days from when the harassment occurred. This window extends to 300 days if a state or local agency has jurisdiction over the employer.
No, it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee for complaining about harassment or discrimination, or for participating in an investigation.
The law also protects you if you are harassed by someone who is not an employee, like a client or a customer. It is important to report this immediately to your employer.
If you're a victim of sexual harassment, it's important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process of filing a complaint, either with your employer or with a regulatory agency.
Organizations such as the Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination (BRAVE) and STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response) provide resources for victims. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights are responsible for handling complaints at the federal and state levels, respectively.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual harassment, it is crucial to consult with a skilled and experienced harassment attorney who can provide guidance and help protect your rights. Collect and preserve any evidence you may have (such as emails, text messages, or witness statements) and make sure to record the details of each incident, including the date, time, place, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Your attorney can guide you on the next steps, including filing a complaint with your employer, the EEOC, or the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights.
