If you are dealing with inappropriate conduct at work, a Torrance employment law attorney at Aegis Law Firm can evaluate your situation and explain your rights during a free and confidential consultation. Call (949) 379-6250 or contact us online to get started.

Why Clients Trust Us With Sexual Harassment Claims

Extensive experience handling sensitive harassment claims. Clients trust our ability to evaluate situations that are not always obvious on the surface.
Proven history of pursuing claims against employers who ignore or minimize complaints.
A measured, respectful approach. We take the time to understand what occurred and provide clear, honest guidance based on the facts.

What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment in California?

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct based on sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation that affects the terms and conditions of employment. This conduct may be verbal, physical, or visual. Harassment becomes unlawful when:

The conduct is severe or occurs repeatedly.
It interferes with your ability to perform your job.
It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Employment decisions are tied to accepting or rejecting the conduct.

The law does not require physical contact. Comments, messages, or workplace dynamics alone may be enough depending on the circumstances.

Types of Sexual Harassment Claims

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo occurs when a supervisor or decision-maker links job benefits or consequences to sexual conduct. Examples may include:

Offering promotions or favorable assignments in exchange for a relationship.
Threatening discipline or termination after rejection.

Even a single incident can be sufficient if it involves a tangible employment decision.

Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment develops when ongoing conduct creates an abusive or uncomfortable workplace. This may involve:

Repeated comments, jokes, or remarks of a sexual nature.
Conduct that becomes normalized but creates discomfort.
Behavior that interferes with daily work responsibilities.

Courts evaluate the overall impact of the conduct.

California Laws That Protect Employees

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

The Fair Employment and Housing Act is the primary California law governing workplace harassment.

Government Code §12940(j)(1) states, “Harassment of an employee… because of sex… is unlawful.” This protection applies not only to direct supervisors, but also to coworkers, managers in other departments, and even third parties such as clients or customers.

FEHA also places responsibility on employers to actively prevent harassment before it occurs. Government Code §12940(k) requires employers to “…take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring.” This includes implementing clear workplace policies, providing training, and responding promptly to complaints.

Federal Protections Under Title VII

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment and applies to employers with 15 or more employees. These claims are typically filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

California law often provides broader protections, including applying to smaller employers and allowing for additional remedies.

How a Torrance Sexual Harassment Attorney Can Help

Once you hire an employment attorney, they take over communication with your employer and handle the steps to move your claim forward. This includes managing responses, addressing any internal findings, and gathering evidence. This may involve:

Organizing communications, records, and supporting documentation.
Identifying patterns of conduct that show how the harassment affected your work environment.
Addressing inconsistencies in the employer’s explanation or response to your concerns.

Before filing a lawsuit, many sexual harassment claims must first be submitted to a government agency. A lawyer handles this process, ensures deadlines are met, and, if the case proceeds, manages negotiations or litigation on your behalf.

Speak to a Torrance Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

Call (949) 379-6250 or contact Aegis Law Firm online to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your situation and help you determine the next steps.

Torrance Sexual Harassment Attorney