What Qualifies as Unwelcome Conduct?

What Qualifies as “Unwelcome” Conduct?

Sexual Harassment Lawyers Serving the Orange County Region

Sexual harassment in the workplace is by definition conduct that is unwelcomed. The unwelcome nature of the conduct, whether it’s quid pro quo or hostile environment is the key component in this matter. Unwelcome conduct consists of any behavior that is sexual in nature or gender-based that you do not initiate and you find personally offensive. Crude come-ons, demeaning remarks, explicit sexual stories and jokes told verbally or sent through office emails or bulletin boards, sexist comments, attempts at groping or fondling, and implications or threats that you must engage in sexual activity to keep your job are all examples of unwelcome conduct.

If you agree with or consent to another's joking, advances, or physical touching, then that may not constitute sexual harassment. Similarly, consensual dating or other consensual sexual conduct between you and a supervisor or coworker may, or may not, constitute sexual harassment, depending upon the specific circumstances. For example, the supervisor may claim that a relationship was consensual, while you may have submitted to the relationship out a fear of losing your job. You may have a claim for sexual harassment if the sexual advance itself was unwelcome, even if your submittal to it was “voluntary.” Furthermore, even an actually consensual relationship that you have ended may constitute sexual harassment or retaliation if there is retribution against you for ending the relationship.

How you receive and respond to the behavior may determine whether you find it unwelcome or not. If you do find such conduct unwelcome, you should not hesitate to make your reaction known, clearly and promptly. 

Report Sexual Harassment at Work

If you have encountered any type of sexual harassment at work, you should report it to the proper person in the organization and contact Sexual Harassment Employment Attorneys to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our Orange County sexual harassment attorneys at your earliest opportunity. Our law firm has been helping clients with employment law and sexual harassment matters for many years, and we are standing by to help you too.

With more than 90 years of combined legal experience behind us, our firm has the extensive knowledge, skills, and dedication to help you seek legal recourse and to protect your rights in the workplace. By so doing, you will also help to make your work environment safe and harassment-free for others.

If you have been a victim of any type of workplace sexual harassment in Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, or Riverside, contact our legal team by calling (888) 427-8064 or filling out our online contact form.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

  • Childhood Sexual Abuse $6,050,000
  • Childhood Sexual Abuse $6,000,000
  • Employer Breach of Employment Contract $92,500
  • Employer Breach of Employment Contract $80,000
  • Employer Failure to Accommodate Medical Condition $190,000
  • Employer Failure to Accommodate Medical Condition $155,000

Our Testimonials

Empowering Voices, Delivering Justice
    "Stan is a tenacious negotiator and a man that has a tremendous amount of integrity. He won't let you down."
    Stan is a tenacious negotiator and a man that has a tremendous amount of integrity. He won't let you down.
    - Oren W.
    "This office is the most professional law firm I have ever dealt with!"
    I truly felt like my brother was talking to me and taking care of me!
    - Graziela C.
    "Will definitely fight for you and look out for your best interest."
    They will definitely fight for you and look out for your best interest.
    - Jen S.
    "Stan has set a new standard for me in what to look for in an attorney."
    You won't regret using SB&G and Stan, it's a winning combination.
    - Russell M.
    "Fights for us and gives a voice to women everywhere!!! I am extremely happy with my outcome."
    Fights for us and gives a voice to women everywhere!!! I am extremely happy with my outcome.
    - Jennifer S.
    "Had my back when everyone else just wanted to take my money."
    Had my back when everyone else just wanted to take my money.
    - Julianne H.
    "Best law firm this side of the Mason Dixie."
    Words can not express the gratitude I feel for not just the firm, but the rock wilder "Daren Harris" he got his teeth in and he took a chunk out of the bullies I work for.
    - Pamela Scott
    "Stan is the man!"
    Stan was always in contact with me through every step of my case. Easily accessible. Always courteous and attentive.
    - Terry M.