Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Colorado

About Sexual Harassment Law in Colorado, United States

Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination that is prohibited by both federal and Colorado state law. In Colorado, sexual harassment can occur in the workplace, educational institutions, housing, or public spaces. It typically involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. Both state and federal statutes aim to protect individuals from these behaviors and provide avenues for redress when individuals experience sexual harassment.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Victims of sexual harassment often face difficult and complex challenges, making legal assistance crucial. Some common situations in which seeking the help of an attorney is advisable include:

• You have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work or school, and you are uncertain how to report or address it.
• Your employer or institution is retaliating against you for reporting sexual harassment or participating in an investigation.
• You have attempted to resolve the matter internally but have seen no meaningful outcome or have concerns about your rights being protected.
• You were wrongfully terminated, demoted, or faced negative consequences due to alleged sexual harassment or for reporting such behavior.
• You are unsure about the evidence needed to support your claim or how to document your experiences properly.
• Negotiation or litigation may be necessary to secure compensation or enforcement of your rights.

A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, guide you through complaint procedures, and represent you in administrative hearings or court if necessary.

Local Laws Overview

In Colorado, sexual harassment laws are enforced through several legal avenues:

• Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA): Prohibits sexual harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It applies to employers with at least one employee, making it broader than some federal statutes.
• Federal Laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace sexual harassment at employers with 15 or more employees. Title IX covers educational institutions receiving federal funds.
• Types of Sexual Harassment: Colorado law recognizes both quid pro quo harassment (requiring sexual favors as a condition of employment or benefits) and hostile work environment harassment (unwanted behavior creating an intimidating or offensive environment).
• Filing Deadline: Under CADA, you generally have 300 days from the date of the alleged harassment to file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD). Federal complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must also be filed within 300 days due to state law overlap.
• Employer Responsibility: Employers are required to take reasonable steps to prevent and address sexual harassment. They must not retaliate against individuals who make complaints or participate in investigations.
• Remedies: Victims may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages, changes in policies, and other appropriate relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered sexual harassment in Colorado?

Sexual harassment in Colorado includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual's employment, creates a hostile environment, or interferes with work or educational performance.

Who can be held responsible for sexual harassment?

Individuals, supervisors, coworkers, employers, or organizations can be held liable for sexual harassment, depending on the case and the steps taken to prevent or respond to harassment.

What should I do if I experience sexual harassment at work?

Document the incidents as thoroughly as possible, report the harassment to your employer following company policies, and consider consulting with an attorney or reporting to the Colorado Civil Rights Division.

How long do I have to file a complaint or lawsuit?

In most cases, you have 300 days from the date of the alleged harassment to file a complaint with the CCRD or the EEOC. Filing deadlines for lawsuits may vary, so prompt action is important.

Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?

Retaliation for making a good faith report of sexual harassment is illegal in Colorado. If you are fired or otherwise penalized for reporting, you may have an additional legal claim.

Is my employer always responsible for harassment by coworkers?

Employers may be held responsible if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take appropriate corrective action.

What evidence do I need for my case?

Evidence can include emails, text messages, notes, witness statements, or records that document the harassment and your efforts to report it. A lawyer can help you gather and preserve evidence.

Can men be victims of sexual harassment?

Yes. Both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment, and it can occur between people of any gender.

Is sexual harassment only a workplace issue?

No. Sexual harassment can occur in educational settings, housing, or public accommodations, and is covered by state and sometimes federal laws in those contexts.

What should I expect after filing a complaint with a government agency?

After filing, the agency will typically investigate, attempt to resolve the complaint informally, and if necessary, may issue findings or authorize a lawsuit. You have the right to legal representation throughout the process.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking more information or support related to sexual harassment in Colorado, the following resources can help:

• Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) - Handles complaints of workplace, housing, and public accommodation discrimination, including sexual harassment.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Federal agency for workplace discrimination and harassment complaints.
• Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) - Offers advocacy, information, and support for survivors of sexual harassment and assault.
• Local employment law attorneys and legal aid organizations - Provide legal advice and representation for those who have experienced sexual harassment.
• Human Resources departments and designated Title IX coordinators at educational institutions for school or campus harassment complaints.

Next Steps

If you feel you have experienced sexual harassment, take the following steps:

1. Document all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, locations, people involved, and any communication or evidence.
2. Report the harassment to the appropriate authority, such as your employer's HR department or your school's Title IX coordinator.
3. Consider reaching out to legal resources like the CCRD, EEOC, or a private attorney specializing in sexual harassment cases for advice.
4. Be aware of filing deadlines and do not delay seeking help, as waiting may affect your rights.
5. If necessary, pursue further action through state or federal complaint processes or through the courts, with the assistance of legal counsel.

Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you better understand your rights, your options, and how to pursue a resolution that supports your safety and well-being.