More training and new laws are among the solutions being implemented to combat sexual harassment
According to the EEOC, 2017 was a record-setting year in terms of monetary compensation for sexual harassment claims. In 2017, employees who made sexual harassment complaints received a combined total of $46.3 million. This represented a 13.8 percent increase compared to 2016.
In response to the growing number of complaints—and the increasing amount of compensation being awarded for these complaints—employers and lawmakers are looking for ways to decrease sexual harassment in the workplace.
More Training
Currently, California law only mandates ongoing sexual harassment awareness training for supervisors and executives in companies with at least 50 employees. These individuals must receive 2 hours of training every other year. Many experts agree this is not enough to truly have an impact on the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace.
According to reports from the LA Times, many California employers are scrambling to bring more sexual harassment training programs to their employees. Companies that provide sexual harassment training have noticed an astronomical increase in demand. For example, at TrainUp, requests for sexual harassment training increased tremendously compared to last year—the company received 267 requests in January of 2017 and 2,150 requests in January of 2018.
New Laws
According to the Consumer Attorneys of California, legislators in Sacramento will be considering a variety of new measures related to sexual harassment in the workplace this year. This includes laws that would:
- Change the statute of limitations on sexual harassment complaints from one year to three years
- Allow more job-seekers to sue for sexual harassment
- Loosen employment contract provisions that require arbitration in sexual harassment cases
- Introduce requirements for how long employers must keep sexual harassment complaint records
Have You Been the Victim of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Unfortunately, no amount of training or legislation is likely to completely end sexual harassment in the workplace. If you have been victimized, you can and should stand up for yourself.
Examples of sexual harassment: Sexual harassment can take a variety of forms. There is quid pro quo sexual harassment, which involves someone in a position of power (such as a manager or executive) asking for sexual favors in exchange for continued employment or other job benefits. Then there is the creation of a hostile work environment, which can happen when any kind of sexually offensive touching, gestures, or speech occurs, or when offensive comments are made about a gender.
What to do if you are sexually harassed: If you believe you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you need to follow your employer’s guidelines for reporting the incident. Your employer will investigate and take appropriate action. If you are not satisfied your complaint has been handled properly, you can refer it to the EEOC with an attorney’s help.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is Here for You
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we specialize in sexual harassment complaints. We can provide the advice, support, and representation you need to get your complaint heard and compensated appropriately. Contact us at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
