What Is Sexual Harassment? How Connecticut Laws Can Protect Workers in The Workplace

Unfortunately, many instances of sexual harassment in the workplace are still going unreported. This could be because people are worried about facing retaliation. Or it could be that they are unsure of what constitutes sexual harassment in its purest form. 

Connecticut businesses must take preventative measures to avoid violating the state’s laws. The laws that prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. A sexual harassment attorney can help you better understand this.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Any of the following can be considered sexual harassment:

• Any unwanted sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favors
• Other sexually suggestive behavior. 

Sexual assault is another form of sexual harassment. 

Connecticut Laws Protecting Workers Against Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Employers with three or more workers must post proper notice against sexual harassment in the workplace.

Employers with fifty or more workers are expected to provide at least two hours of training and education each year.

The company is required to:

• Show that it is against the law to harass someone sexually.
• Display the legal definition of sexual harassment.
• Present many examples of sexual harassment covered by the law.
• Display a sign indicating that the harasser may be subject to legal sanctions.
• Make the victim aware of the various avenues available for obtaining restitution.

To Comply With The Requirements Of The Law In Connecticut:

A formal written complaint must be filed with the CHRO no later than 180 days after the date on which the harassment occurred.

Avenues Available For Obtaining Restitution

The various avenues available for obtaining restitution can be:

• Monetary compensation
• Injunctions to cease the offending behavior
• Legal action to recover losses
• Employment, promotion
• Reinstatement
• Other choices

When Will A Corporation Be Subjected To Legal Sanctions?

In addition, a corporation can be cited if it does any of the following:

• Do not take complaints seriously.
• Take any action when you have a formal complaint.
• Jump to conclusions, being biased in their judgment.
• Attribute their understanding of the harasser’s actions to the harasser’s intent.
• Exaggerate the situation and take improper action.
• Investigate the complainant in a way that discourages an informal resolution to the issue of sexual harassment.
• Fail to protect the party that has made the complaint.
• Fail to provide all employees with information regarding the company’s policy regarding sexual harassment.

Moreover, a corporation can be cited in the following cases:

• When a victim is told, “You just do not get it. Can’t you keep a secret to save your life?”
• When a complaint has not been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. Also, it remains open.

Bottom Line

Connecticut laws protect workers against sexual harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately, many instances of sexual harassment in the workplace are still going unreported. This could be because of several reasons. Connecticut businesses must never violate the laws that prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. If you or a member of your family has been harassed sexually on the job, attorneys can assist you.

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