The Evolution of Workplace Sexual harassment Laws

The Evolution of Workplace Sexual harassment Laws

The #MeToo movement has brought up an uproar on social media. Many people have come forth to put up their experiences and trauma in front of the world. Whether it is a celebrity or a common person, almost every person has been a victim of harassment at the workplace. The unpredictable nature of sexual assault has taken a toll on people. However, sexual harassment lawyers in CT explained the negative consequences of sexual harassment not only for women but for men as well. The mental health problems, physical issues, lower earnings, and career interruptions can change the lives of individuals.

What is Sexual Harassment?

 Before going further, it is vital to understand what is the offense actually. Sexual harassment is a term used for any harassing activity against an employee or a candidate. It is usually deemed as an unwelcome sexual advance, physical or verbal harassment, and sexual favors requests. Sexual harassment is not only physical advances but also verbal offensive remarks on the sex of a person. For instance, passing offensive comments about women is considered harassment.

The offhand comments, simple teasing, and isolated incidents are usually considered safe since they offer no harm to employees. However, frequent offensive work environment, severe incidents, and adverse employment decisions fall under the category of sexual harassment. The harasser can be anyone like a customer, client, employer, co-worker, or supervisor. 

Workplace Sexual Harassment

The employees or employers are obliged by legal terms to offer a safe and secure environment for their employees. It must be free of any sexual advances and provide a non-hostile environment to work freely. However, in case the law is not followed and employees face any sexually suggestive behavior or jokes, unwanted sexual advances, and witness aggressive action, then it is the violation of the Civil Rights Act Title VII. The victim can take the help of a sexual harassment law firm to ensure that violation is registered and action is taken against the harasser. 

However, the sexual harassment law is different for every state as per the work culture. On top of that, if anyone faces such sexual charges then it is ethically wrong and also promotes bad business. The workplace sexual harassment cases in an organization endorse poor productivity, low morale, and expensive lawsuits. It is the responsibility of an owner to ensure that employees can work in a safe environment and no such actions must be tolerated. 

#MeToo Movement

Until now, many companies have turned their eyes or avoided such activity in their offices. They have denied the seriousness and incidence of sexual harassment. Even the employees accepted their faith with no escape route. However, a simple hashtag “#MeToo” has managed to change it all and bought up a new evolution in the lawsuit of sexual harassment. In 2006, activist Tarana Burke used this hashtag to offer justice for a rape victim. This was not until 2017 October when it picked up popularity.

Actress Alyssa Milano encouraged not only a nation but a global audience to come forth with their “Me Too” story. Various private and government employees come forth with their stories of sexual harassment that made the government pass on the law against the offense. Many people even turned towards sexual harassment lawyers in CT to document their cases and fight for justice.

The strength and empathy that is shown by people were remarkable and even topmost celebrities were accused of misconduct at the workplace. Even female celebrities responded with silent assent and knowing nods for many popular names. It added up a lot of speculations but also provoked people to take an initiative against such offense.

Millions of people around the globe shared their stories of assault and harassment at the workplace. The World Health Organization said the 7 out of 10 women suffered such offense. Many women hired the best sexual harassment lawyers to fight for justice and ensure that the harasser is charged with the sexual harassment offense. 

This movement changed everything in terms of sexual harassment and assault. Many countries and the government acknowledged it and talked about the widespread problems. At the present movement, employees are assertively reporting such crime and taking the initiative to make the workplace a safe place. Many employers also become active to step up against harassment and are addressing the issue with regulations and laws. 

Changed Picture

As reported by sexual harassment lawyers in CT, the workplace is drastically altered and employers are obliged to offer a safe environment to employees. The staff must work in a safe environment with no fear of harassment of any type. It is even beneficial for the business notwithstanding legal implications.