Staring And Leering At Work – When Does This Become Sexual Harassment?

Contrary to what most people believe, sexual harassment in the workplace is more than just physical or verbal harassment. While this type of behavior is often highlighted as unacceptable and even illegal forms of workplace harassment, many people are often subject to leering and staring that is done in a suggestive or scary manner. At The Rager Law Firm, our team is here to help when you need a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney. We understand when workplace behavior crosses the line, and we will help you hold those guilty of harassment accountable for their actions.

Staring and leering – the often ignored form of sexual harassment

Most people think of sexual harassment as taking only physical and verbal forms. Thankfully, the #MeToo movement has significantly increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace and forced much-needed changes onto corporate policies. However, staring and leering are often given a pass, even if they rise to an unacceptable level.

Not all gestures and stares in the workplace are sexual or suggestive. However, instances of staring and various sexual gestures can certainly rise to the level of sexual harassment, especially if they are a part of a pattern of repeated behavior.

There are various types of staring or leering behavior that could give rise to a sexual harassment charge in LA. This includes:

• Looking up and down at someone in a suggestive manner.
• Standing too close to someone.
• Whistling at someone.
• Catcalling
• Blocking a person’s movement or blocking a doorway.
• Following someone around the workplace.
• Making suggestive or lewd gestures.

It is important to consult with a skilled Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney to help determine whether the conduct you are experiencing rises to the level of harassment. In order to make this determination, there are several factors that need to be examined:

1. The nature of the conduct and whether it is unsolicited. Again, not all gestures or staring will rise to the level of harassment, so context is very important.
2. The frequency of the conduct (how often have you caught someone staring or leering).
3. The timeframe of this conduct (days, weeks, months, or years).
4. The context in which the conduct occurred or occurs.
5. The extent to which this behavior has harmed or damaged you and/or your coworkers.
6. Whether this behavior has been witnessed by others in the workplace.

Contact us for a free consultation of your case

If you or somebody you care about has been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you should speak to an attorney about your case as soon as possible. At The Rager Law Firm, our qualified and experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys are ready to help you through this. We will conduct a full investigation into your case in order to secure any compensation you may be entitled to for what you have endured. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 310-527-6994.