Our firm takes sexual harassment seriously. We believe everyone deserves to be comfortable and secure in the workplace, and that’s why we work hard on behalf of clients to enforce employees’ rights to work free of harassment and discrimination.

It’s often assumed that sexual harassment only happens between members of the opposite sex. The classic case, so often highlighted in the media, involves a male supervisor harassing a female employee. But the truth is that sexual harassment can — and does — happen between people of the same gender, regardless of their job titles or sexual orientation.

If you’ve been the victim of same-sex sexual harassment in Georgia, Atlanta employment attorney K.P. Reddy can help.

What Qualifies as Same-Sex Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

To qualify for legal relief, the offensive behavior must directly or indirectly affect the individual’s employment, unreasonably interfere with his or her work performance, or create an intimidating or hostile work environment.

Common instances of same-sex sexual harassment include:

• Harassment of any employee by other people of the same gender (regardless of sexual orientation).
• Workplace taunting or banter about a person’s body, gender, genitalia, apparel, or sexuality.
• Verbal threats, unwanted physical contact, or even violence.
• Flirting, sexual suggestiveness, or lewd comments or behavior (even if done under the guise of “horseplay” or “joking”).
• A hostile work environment, made possible by inadequate training or an employer policy that fails to adequately address same-sex sexual harassment.

How a Georgia Employment Lawyer Can Help

Victims of sexual harassment are often embarrassed by it. Unfortunately, that keeps too many people from speaking up and fighting back. But remember that your happiness and safety matter. You deserve to work in peace so that you can be your best and excel in your career.

With the help of a Georgia employment attorney, you can put a stop to same-sex sexual harassment. The process is difficult to navigate alone, but a qualified lawyer will make all the difference in your ability to recover economic damages, and hold those responsible accountable for their improper conduct.  And with proper legal representation, you can protect yourself from retaliation.

Next Steps to Address Same-Sex Sexual Harassment

If you’ve been the victim of same-sex sexual harassment, even if the conduct is only verbal or is disguised as a joke, contact the experienced legal team at The Reddy Law Firm, P.C.  Our firm represents clients throughout Georgia, including those working in Atlanta, Suwanee, Norcross, Marietta, Duluth, and Lilburn.  Please email us or call (678) 629-3246 today for a free phone consultation today.