NJ sexual harassment lawyer remains a pressing issue in workplaces across the nation, including New Jersey. Despite increased awareness and media coverage, many employees continue to face unwanted sexual behavior and discrimination at work. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s crucial to seek expert legal guidance to protect your rights and seek justice. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is here to support you through this challenging time. Here’s what you need to know about sexual harassment in New Jersey and how our team can assist you.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in New Jersey
Sexual harassment in New Jersey is not only a violation of moral and ethical standards but also illegal under both state and federal laws. It is broadly categorized into two main types:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This form involves a person in a position of authority demanding sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits such as promotions, raises, or continued employment. This is often referred to as supervisor harassment.
Hostile Work Environment: This occurs when an employee experiences a pattern of unwelcome conduct, comments, or displays that are severe or pervasive enough to interfere with their ability to perform their job. This includes a wide range of behaviors from superiors, coworkers, vendors, or even clients.
Forms of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can manifest in various ways, including:
Visual Conduct: This includes staring, leering, or displaying sexually explicit objects, pictures, or cartoons in the workplace.
Verbal Conduct: Derogatory comments, sexual jokes, gestures, slurs, or any form of commentary of a sexual nature fall into this category.
Physical Conduct: Unwanted touching, groping, or sexual assault are considered physical harassment.
Additionally, harassment can involve retaliation against employees who reject sexual advances or who report inappropriate behavior. Such actions may include wrongful termination, demotion, or other adverse employment changes.
The Role of Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we understand that coming forward about sexual harassment can be daunting. Victims often fear retaliation or damage to their reputation. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve. Here’s how we can assist:
Comprehensive Legal Support: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and explore all possible legal options. Our goal is to support you through every step of the legal process.
Evidence Collection: Building a strong case requires detailed documentation. We will guide you on how to collect and preserve evidence, including:
Documenting offensive comments and conduct
Addressing the offender directly to indicate that their behavior is unwelcome
Creating an official record of your complaints, either through direct statements or company email
Reporting the harassment according to your company's policy
Witness Testimony: We will identify and interview corroborating witnesses who can support your claim, strengthening your case.
Retaliation Protection: Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for reporting harassment. If they do, they can be held liable for adverse actions such as firing, demotion, or reassignment.
How We Can Help Employers
Beyond representing victims, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC also offers legal services to businesses. We provide:
Defense Against Claims: Our attorneys can help defend businesses against sexual harassment claims, ensuring fair representation and protecting your company's interests.
Policy Development: We assist companies in creating comprehensive sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures. Our goal is to help foster a respectful and positive work environment.
Taking the Next Steps
If you are experiencing sexual harassment at your workplace in New Jersey, it’s important to take action. Here’s what you can do:
Reach Out for Legal Help: Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC at 973.920.7888. Our team is ready to offer the legal support you need.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all instances of harassment and your attempts to address the issue.
Follow Company Procedures: Report the harassment according to your company's policies to create an official record of your complaint.
Conclusion
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that can impact anyone in the workplace, regardless of gender or position. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for those affected. By understanding your rights and seeking professional help, you can take control of your situation and work towards a resolution.
Comments