Sexual Harassment Questions & Answers by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sexual Harassment Questions & Answers
Q: I was sexually harassed at my job by the general manager I made the complaint to the owner of the company I was terminat
Lucas Wynne's answer
You should retain a lawyer to assist you. If your story occurred as-described, you likely have a claim. Attorneys like myself assist people who are wrongfully terminated for similar reasons.
You should retain a lawyer to assist you. If your story occurred as-described, you likely have a claim. Attorneys like myself assist people who are wrongfully terminated for similar reasons.
Q: I had a harassment claim filed against me by a coworker after she received a bad performance review.
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
for
Illinois
on
Answered on Aug 13, 2018
Answered on Aug 13, 2018
James G. Ahlberg's answer
You need to contact an attorney in your area who practices in the field of employment law as soon as possible. Explain your situation to him or her. Bring every document you have to the first appointment, including particularly any paycheck stubs or payroll information you have for the past year or two, performance reviews, and a copy of the employer's employee handbook. If you don't have a copy of the employee handbook, borrow one from someone who still works there. Don't write on any of the...
You need to contact an attorney in your area who practices in the field of employment law as soon as possible. Explain your situation to him or her. Bring every document you have to the first appointment, including particularly any paycheck stubs or payroll information you have for the past year or two, performance reviews, and a copy of the employer's employee handbook. If you don't have a copy of the employee handbook, borrow one from someone who still works there. Don't write on any of the...
Q: How do I know if my sexual harassment claim is state or federal?
Terrence H Thorgaard's answer
Unless it involves sexual harassment by a federal officer or employee, chances are that it is state. But it doesn't matter unless you plan to litigate it, and you definitely don't want to do that without an attorney who specializes in such cases. Ask that attorney.
Unless it involves sexual harassment by a federal officer or employee, chances are that it is state. But it doesn't matter unless you plan to litigate it, and you definitely don't want to do that without an attorney who specializes in such cases. Ask that attorney.
Q: This is located in Michigan! Is it legal? Can a case be made out of it?
Jasmine D. Rippy's answer
In Michigan, the age of consent to sexual contact is 16. Therefore, it is legal for a 16 year old to date a 28 year old as long as the relationship is consensual. However, if the 16 year old has sent sexual images the 28 year old, they could both face felony child pornography charges. If any of those images were sent over the Internet or through the use of a computer, they could be charged with using a computer to commit a crime, which would also be a felony in this case.
In Michigan, the age of consent to sexual contact is 16. Therefore, it is legal for a 16 year old to date a 28 year old as long as the relationship is consensual. However, if the 16 year old has sent sexual images the 28 year old, they could both face felony child pornography charges. If any of those images were sent over the Internet or through the use of a computer, they could be charged with using a computer to commit a crime, which would also be a felony in this case.
Q: If I am 17 and my partner is 14, would it be illegal to date, kiss, makeout, or leave hickies?
Stefan Dunkelgrun's answer
As long as your partner gives full consent, based on the information you provided, it is not illegal.
If the younger person is older than 13 and younger than 16, the older person may not be more than 48 months older.
As long as your partner gives full consent, based on the information you provided, it is not illegal.
If the younger person is older than 13 and younger than 16, the older person may not be more than 48 months older.
Q: Lady across the hall that's attracted to me come to my apartment one evening I answer the door in a T-shirt and fishnet
William John Light's answer
It sounds like a crime against humanity. No, wait, I meant indecent exposure. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=314.&lawCode=PEN
It sounds like a crime against humanity. No, wait, I meant indecent exposure. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=314.&lawCode=PEN
Q: Would it be illegal for a 17 year old to date a 15 year old knowing that they are exactly 2 1/2 years part?
Salim U. Shaikh's answer
Both being minor are immune from criminal liability, however, their guardians may be answerable if kids are not restrained when their dating becomes an open secret.
Both being minor are immune from criminal liability, however, their guardians may be answerable if kids are not restrained when their dating becomes an open secret.
Q: A coworker made a bogus sexual harassment charge up just to get me fired. What should I do to fight back?
Christopher J. Eibeler's answer
Employers have an obligation to conduct a prompt, thorough and complete investigation into complaints of sexual harassment. This obligation is owed to both the alleged victim and the accused. A proper investigation will include the accused being interviewed by the investigator. You should be prepared to tell the truth and answer all questions to the best of your ability. I would also recommend you consult with an experienced employment lawyer prior to your interview.
Employers have an obligation to conduct a prompt, thorough and complete investigation into complaints of sexual harassment. This obligation is owed to both the alleged victim and the accused. A proper investigation will include the accused being interviewed by the investigator. You should be prepared to tell the truth and answer all questions to the best of your ability. I would also recommend you consult with an experienced employment lawyer prior to your interview.
Q: How Can i put a restraining order on my mother in law and brother in law on behalf of my children?
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Family Law, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment
for
California
on
Answered on Jul 20, 2018
Answered on Jul 20, 2018
Dale S. Gribow's answer
need more info
assuming you have a good reason you should contact a lawyer in your area to help you file with your local court and it will come up before a judge
need more info
assuming you have a good reason you should contact a lawyer in your area to help you file with your local court and it will come up before a judge
Q: If 18 U.S.C. 1470 then why do adults get charged for sending sexual images to minors over 15?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Sexual Harassment
for
Ohio
on
Answered on Jul 20, 2018
Answered on Jul 20, 2018
Q: I'm a massage therapist and I've been accused of indecent assault by 2 coworkers. Will I automatically lose my license?
Cary B. Hall's answer
The Pennsylvania Code indicates that "[a] massage therapist whose conduct constitutes a sexual violation or sexual abuse is subject to immediate temporary suspension . . ." -- but it's unclear if that occurs as soon as a complaint is made (and to whom? police, and/or the State Board of Massage Therapy?) or once a conviction occurs. Generally, look here for more information: http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/MassageTherapy/Pages/default.aspx.
Losing your...
The Pennsylvania Code indicates that "[a] massage therapist whose conduct constitutes a sexual violation or sexual abuse is subject to immediate temporary suspension . . ." -- but it's unclear if that occurs as soon as a complaint is made (and to whom? police, and/or the State Board of Massage Therapy?) or once a conviction occurs. Generally, look here for more information: http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/MassageTherapy/Pages/default.aspx.
Losing your...
Q: My married manager keeps asking me out for drinks and I'm worried I'll lose a promotion at work if I say no.
Stephen Arnold Black's answer
You should discuss this with counsel so as to make sure you take the right steps to protect your rights. Do not delay.
You should discuss this with counsel so as to make sure you take the right steps to protect your rights. Do not delay.
Q: Where is the line drawn between sexual harassment and giving a compliment to a coworker in the office?
Emre Polat Esq.'s answer
It depends on various factors. Was the compliment sexually suggestive? Is it pervasive? Is it continuous?
It depends on various factors. Was the compliment sexually suggestive? Is it pervasive? Is it continuous?
Q: Is it illegal for an 18 year old to send naked pics to a 19 year old?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment
for
North Carolina
on
Answered on Jul 17, 2018
Answered on Jul 17, 2018
Bill Powers' answer
This appears to be a duplicate inquiry. Generally, an important inquiry is to determine whether the pictures are of a MINOR.
Sexting is a term used to describe the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages, including images and videos, through devices such as cell phones. In recent years, with the increase of technology usage amongst teens, there has been an increased prevalence of sexting behavior amongst minors in the United States.
North Carolina relies on North...
This appears to be a duplicate inquiry. Generally, an important inquiry is to determine whether the pictures are of a MINOR.
Sexting is a term used to describe the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages, including images and videos, through devices such as cell phones. In recent years, with the increase of technology usage amongst teens, there has been an increased prevalence of sexting behavior amongst minors in the United States.
North Carolina relies on North...
Q: If an ex bf and I are over 18 and he threatens to post naked pictures of me as revenge can I get in trouble for
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment
for
North Carolina
on
Answered on Jul 16, 2018
Answered on Jul 16, 2018
Bill Powers' answer
That is a VERY tricky area under the law. The inquiry is complicated because posting the materials could possibly trigger:
1. G.S. 14-190.5A
A person guilty of this offense:
(1) knowingly
(2) discloses an image of another person
(3) with the intent to
(a) coerce, harass, intimidate, demean, humiliate, or cause financial loss to the depicted person, or
(b) cause others to coerce, harass, intimidate, demean, humiliate, or cause...
That is a VERY tricky area under the law. The inquiry is complicated because posting the materials could possibly trigger:
1. G.S. 14-190.5A
A person guilty of this offense:
(1) knowingly
(2) discloses an image of another person
(3) with the intent to
(a) coerce, harass, intimidate, demean, humiliate, or cause financial loss to the depicted person, or
(b) cause others to coerce, harass, intimidate, demean, humiliate, or cause...
Q: I need to know the next steps to take.
Juan Ooink's answer
You need to discuss this information with your husband's attorney. The sooner you do this the better.
You need to discuss this information with your husband's attorney. The sooner you do this the better.
Q: How can I ask out my intern without being reported for sexual harassment?
William John Light's answer
Why don't you ask your HR dept. what they think of your idea? If you like your intern that much, quit your job, then ask him/her out. What you are describing is per se sexual harassment. Power disparity, ability to affect the intern's career. No decision your intern makes can possibly be unaffected by those factors. Which make you a jerk for putting him/her in that position.
Why don't you ask your HR dept. what they think of your idea? If you like your intern that much, quit your job, then ask him/her out. What you are describing is per se sexual harassment. Power disparity, ability to affect the intern's career. No decision your intern makes can possibly be unaffected by those factors. Which make you a jerk for putting him/her in that position.
Q: i need help doing a sexual harassment lawsuit and have no clue where to begin i reported it to work a million times
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
for
Pennsylvania
on
Answered on Jul 1, 2018
Answered on Jul 1, 2018
Andrew S. Abramson's answer
It is important to review all facts pertaining to your situation with an experienced employment law attorney. Feel free to contact our office to Evan,hate your entire situation.
It is important to review all facts pertaining to your situation with an experienced employment law attorney. Feel free to contact our office to Evan,hate your entire situation.
Q: What can I do, feel absolutely violated by this
David Edward Boyle's answer
Sounds like you moved away and that is the appropriate response if you live next to an asshole.
Sounds like you moved away and that is the appropriate response if you live next to an asshole.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
