Washington D.C. Federal Employee Sexual Harassment Lawyers
Don't Let Sexual Harassment Go Unchecked - Call (202) 350-3881
Despite being illegal at the state and federal level, sexual harassment continues to occur in workplaces across the country, even in the offices of federal government. Federal employees have just as much legal protection from sexual harassment as civilian employees and our team at The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC is prepared to put our decades of experience to work for your sexual harassment case.
Call our office today at (202) 350-3881 to schedule a consultation. We are ready to explain your rights under the law!
Why You Should Take Action Against Sexual Harassment in Federal Workplaces
Sexual harassment is illegal as it is a form of sex-based discrimination that infringes upon Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Furthermore, it runs counter to the principles of the Federal Merit System (MSPs) and is categorized as a Prohibited Personnel Practice (PPP).
In order to uphold the expectations set forth by the MSPs, federal employees at all organizational levels must adhere to the principles of fairness and integrity when interacting with their colleagues. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes the well-being and health of the workforce but also undermines the successful accomplishment of the organization's mission.
The Adverse Effects of Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace
Employees who either experience or witness sexual harassment firsthand can observe its detrimental impact on overall productivity and job satisfaction. Such situations may compel them to utilize annual leave or sick leave, either to avoid their harasser or to address health issues stemming from the stress induced by harassment.
Ultimately, they may decide to resign voluntarily or may be involuntarily reassigned or relocated. These adverse outcomes represent entirely preventable threats to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government.
What Constitutes Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment constitutes unwelcome and inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature that occurs in a work or employment-related setting. It can take various forms and can be broadly categorized into two main types:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
This type of sexual harassment occurs when someone with authority or power in the workplace (such as a supervisor, manager, or employer) makes employment-related decisions contingent upon the victim's submission to sexual advances or requests. For example, a supervisor might promise a promotion, raise, or job security in exchange for sexual favors, or threaten adverse job consequences if such advances are refused.
Hostile Work Environment
This form of sexual harassment arises when the workplace becomes intimidating, offensive, or hostile due to pervasive and unwelcome sexual behavior, comments, or advances. It need not involve a direct request for sexual favors but can include behaviors such as:
- Sexual comments, jokes, or innuendos.
- Displaying explicit material, such as explicit images or videos.
- Unwanted touching, hugging, or physical contact of a sexual nature.
- Repeated and unsolicited invitations for dates or sexual encounters.
- Inappropriate emails, texts, or messages of a sexual nature.
- Cyberbullying or online harassment with sexual content.
- Any behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment based on gender or sex.
It's important to note that workplace sexual harassment is not limited to one gender being the perpetrator and another being the victim. Anyone can be a victim of or responsible for sexual harassment, and it can occur between individuals of the same or different genders.
Contact The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC if you have experienced sexual harassment in the federal workplace.
