Sexual harassment is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Recent claims of sexual harassment in Rhode Island have drawn the attention of the state’s Attorney General. A state representative recently spoke out about sexual harassment in the state legislature and the Rhode Island Attorney general has committed to taking action. The attorney general recently noted that he is looking into the concern.
The attorney general noted that he had reached out to police and was significantly concerned about the report of sexual harassment in the workplace. The state legislator alleging the sexual harassment reported that she was informed by a colleague that sexual favors would have a positive impact on the momentum of her legislation. The legislator has been asked to chair a commission to study sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace. The hope is that it will help victims sexually harassed in the workplace take action and find help.
Women and men are protected against sexual harassment in the workplace. It can be an overwhelming concern for victims facing it but sexual harassment does not have to be tolerated in the workplace and legal protections are in place to help victims faced with sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment in the workplace can fall into two categories including quid pro quo sexual harassment or sexual harassment that is so persistent and severe that it creates a hostile working environment. Neither type of sexual harassment is tolerated in the workplace.
When a victim has suffered sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important that they are familiar with the legal resources, options and protections available to them. The resources and options available to victims may be different in every instance so having trained guidance when facing workplace challenges such as sexual harassment can be helpful.