Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and may be a crime.  If you are experiencing unwelcome sexual advances in a work environment, know that you can get help.

There are both federal and state laws that protect workers from discrimination and offer you compensation for the suffering that you experience as a result.

Federal Law Protections

In the United States, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects victims of sexual harassment.  This laws prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Workplace sexual harassment will be investigated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if it happens in a workplace with more than 15 employees.  The EEOC has two categories of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.

• Quid pro quo – When something is given for something in return.  This might happen when an employee is told that he or she will be promoted if he or she performs sexual favors.
• Hostile work environment – A hostile workplace is an environment where unwelcome verbal or physical contact unreasonably interferes with the victim’s ability to do his or her job.  A hostile environment is also caused by an offensive or intimidating environment on the job.

Nevada State Law Protections

Nevada law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.  NRS 613.330.

The Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” that “explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.”

NERC specifies that a sexual harassment victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.  Additionally, a victim does not have to be directly harassed. Any person who is affected by the hostile workplace can be a victim.

Sexual harassment is also a crime under NRS 200.571.  Nevada law defines harassment as the use of words or conduct to knowingly threaten another with harm so that he or she reasonably fears the threat will be carried out.

If you think that you have suffered sexual harassment in your workplace, you can contact the Nevada Equal Rights Commission.

Experienced Las Vegas Employment Law Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been sexually harassed at work, you should seek legal advice from an experienced employment law attorney.

At Anthem Injury Lawyers, our experienced sexual harassment attorneys will offer you advice on how to best protect yourself and the best way to proceed with any potential claims.

Contact us today at (702) 745-8167 for a free consultation.