Q: Can I sue a shelter for being totally harassed by shelter staff

A: In California, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against a shelter if you have been subjected to harassment, discrimination, or other unlawful treatment by shelter staff. Here are a few potential legal avenues:

1. Discrimination: If the harassment was based on your membership in a protected class (e.g., race, gender, disability, etc.), you might have a case under California's Unruh Civil Rights Act or the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

2. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): If the staff's conduct was extreme, outrageous, and caused you severe emotional distress, you may have a claim for IIED.

3. Conversion: If the staff wrongfully took your personal property, you might have a claim for conversion, which is a civil tort.

4. Assault and Battery: If the staff physically threatened or touched you in a harmful or offensive manner, you may have a claim for assault and battery.

5. Violation of Shelter Regulations: Shelters that receive public funding are subject to certain regulations. If the staff's conduct violated these regulations, it may support your legal claim.

However, before pursuing legal action, consider the following:

1. Evidence: Gather any evidence of the harassment, such as witness statements, photos, or written complaints you filed with the shelter.

2. Shelter Policies: Review the shelter's policies and procedures for reporting misconduct and follow those steps first.

3. Consult with an Attorney: Speak with a civil rights or personal injury attorney to assess the strength of your case and guide you through the legal process.

Remember, lawsuits can be time-consuming and expensive. If the shelter is willing to address your concerns through internal complaint processes, that may be a more efficient solution. However, if the harassment was severe and the shelter is unresponsive, legal action may be necessary to protect your rights and prevent further mistreatment.