Male Victims of Sexual Harassment
Male victims of sexual harassment have all of the same rights as their female counterparts, and the State of Georgia offers protection to all genders and gender identities. While the state of Georgia does not have a law specifically addressing sexual harassment in the private workplace, victims who experience harassing conduct in their workplaces, schools, housing, or medical facilities may still have recourse to legal remedy under United States federal law and other a variety of anti-discrimination measures. Male victims of sexual harassment can take legal action against those who abuse their positions with help from experienced Atlanta harassment attorneys at Hall & Lampros, LLP. Our employment law team has recovered thousands of dollars in legal damages for Georgia workers. If you have experienced sexual harassment in your workplace, call 404-876-8100 to book your consultation and determine your next step.
Male Sexual Harassment Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 9 American men have experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space. In addition, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center states that about 43% of men have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, or both during their lifetimes. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) adds that both victims and harassers can be either a woman or a man. In other words, male victims of harassment are treated exactly the same as women. Many of these statistics do not tell the full story, as the EEOC also states that up to 90% of people who experience harassment do not file official reports or complaints.
The Definition of Male Sexual Harassment
Georgia does not have any laws that specifically mention sexual harassment in private workplaces. This means male victims of sexual harassment must pursue legal action according to federal laws, rather than state laws. According to the Civil Rights Act, discrimination based on gender is illegal across the United States. Sexual harassment counts as a form of gender-based discrimination––a clear violation of the Civil Rights Act. People who have experienced unwelcome conduct based on their gender presentation or sexual preference can contact Hall & Lampros, LLP to schedule a consultation to discuss their legal options.
The EEOC Handles Reports of Sexual Harassment in Georgia
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission handles allegations of sexual harassment in Georgia workplaces. Known simply as the “EEOC,” this organization treats all victims in exactly the same way, regardless of gender. The only real question the EEOC asks after they receive a report is whether the allegations are legitimate.In other words, EEOC investigators do not consider the sex of either the accused or the accuser. The EEOC has the power to confront employers with serious penalties both financial and legal in nature.
The Types of Sexual Harassment in Georgia
While the specific words or gestures used will vary widely from one situation to another, there are two broad forms of sexual harassment recognized by the Civil Rights Act. These two categories are:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment: “Quid pro quo” is a Latin term that translates roughly to “a favor for a favor.” “Favor for a favor” sexual harassment is a very specific type of harassment that involves an individual who abuses their power over a subordinateservient employee. Those who experience this “favor for a favor” harassment are often pressured to engage in sexual activities against their will in exchange for some kind of employment benefit.
Benefits offered in quid pro quo harassment may include:
- Promotions
- Raises
- Bonuses
- Better working hours
- Easier duties
- Chances for advancement
- Higher commission
- Dental benefits
- Health benefits
- Better paternal leave
On the other hand, male victims may also face threats if they do not accept the advances of the harasser. These threats may include:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Unfavorable scheduling arrangements
- Lack of promotion
- Unfavorable job duties
Hostile Workplace: Hostile workplace is another form of sexual harassment that refers to a range of unwelcome sexual behaviors, patterns, words, and much more. Examples include:
- Sexual comments
- Sexual touching
- Distribution of inappropriate photos in the workplace
Male Victims of Sexual Harassment in the Executive Branch
Georgia handles allegations of sexual harassment within the Executive Branch of the State Government slightly differently. The Executive Branch includes government organizations and agencies, such as:
- Department of Human Services
- Department of Public Safety
- Georgia Technology Authority
- Secretary of State
- Department of Transportation
On January 14th of 2019, Governor Kemp signed an Executive Order titled “Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Executive Branch of Government.” This includes a strict sexual harassment prevention policy that commits to providing State employees with a workplace free from sexual harassment and retaliation.
How Can Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Georgia Help Victims?
Sexual harassment attorneys in Georgia can help plaintiffs in a number of ways. Plaintiffs may receive advice and guidance during their initial consultations with harassment lawyers in Atlanta. They may have the opportunity to explain their situation and ask questions about the legal process ahead. During these consultations, attorneys can assess the alleged abuse and provide advice on how to proceed. At this point, an attorney may decide whether they believe the case is worth pursuing––and whether they’d like to represent the client.
Discovery Phase: After an initial consultation, the attorney can move ahead with the pre-trial discovery phase. This stage requires both parties to gather as much information as possible in preparation for a trial. Plaintiffs may need to participate in depositions and respond to interrogatories. The plaintiff’s legal counsel may also depose defendants or submit their own interrogatories. Harassment attorneys in Atlanta can assist by gathering new evidence and instructing plaintiffs to collect records that they may already have in their possession.
Settlement or Advancement to Trial: Many harassment lawsuits do not reach the trial phase. Instead, parties settle the lawsuit out of court. During this phase, harassment lawyers in Atlanta negotiate with defendants in an attempt to secure settlements on behalf of their clients. These settlements can cover a range of damages associated with workplace harassment, including missed wages, emotional distress, PTSD, depression, humiliation, and so on.
If negotiating a settlement is not possible, a trial may be necessary. During a workplace harassment trial, attorneys represent their clients and carry out a number of duties. They may give opening arguments and closing arguments. They may present evidence and call upon witnesses. They might also challenge the validity of the defendant’s evidence or cross-examine witnesses called upon by the defense.
Get in Touch with Atlanta Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today
Male victims of sexual harassment in Atlanta can assess their legal options by calling 404-876-8100 to book a consultation with the sexual harassment or Employment Lawyers at Hall & Lampros, LLP today. During an initial consultation, harassment victims can ask questions, receive targeted guidance, and receive education about sexual harassment laws in Georgia. Reach out today to get started.
Chris has successfully represented numerous clients in catastrophic personal injury, employment law matters, class action, consumer protection, business tort, and legislative matters involving multi-million-dollar damages.