Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Arizona
Sexual Harassment
Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of sexual harassment. At Thunderbird Law Group, we firmly believe that people who subject others to sexual harassment or allow it to happen under their watch should be held to account for their actions. Victims of sexual harassment deserve justice and compensation for what happened to them.
Thunderbird Law Group advocates for victims of sexual harassment, tirelessly fighting for their rights. We understand that you are hurting in many ways, and we will do everything in our power to lift your voice and hold those responsible liable for their conduct.
What are Arizona's Sexual Harassment Laws?
Sexual harassment is illegal under federal and state law. On the national level, sexual harassment is unlawful under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Arizona also has Civil Rights laws that make discrimination and harassment in employment illegal at the state level.
Who is protected?
Arizona’s Civil Rights laws protect current and prospective employees. People applying for a job have equal protection against sexual harassment, as do those who currently work for the employer.
If you quit your job or are terminated, your former employer is prohibited from failing to give you a fair reference because of your sex. Moreover, your employer cannot vicariously engage in this prohibited activity, e.g., through a recruiter or agent.
What Is the Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment includes a broad range of sexual and non-sexual conduct, including:
- Treating someone differently because of their sex or gender;
- Offensive comments because of someone’s sex or gender;
- Organizing applications in a way that results in discrimination based on someone’s sex;
- Making sexual advancements or requests;
- Unwanted physical touching of a sexual nature; and
- Sending sexual messages in any medium to an employee or applicant.
The main questions about whether the conduct constitutes sexual harassment are the nature of the behavior (e.g., whether it was offensive, harmful, or sexual) and whether it is motivated or because of someone’s actual, or perceived, sex or gender.
Does the Sexual Harassment Law Cover All Employers?
The law covers employers who have 15 or more employees. Religious organizations are generally exempt from Arizona’s sexual harassment law insofar as they hire employees to carry out spiritual practices or the organization’s business.
Additional Protections Under State and Federal Anti-Sexual Harassment Laws.
In addition to protecting workers against sexual harassment, the law also holds employers liable if they retaliate against workers who speak out about harassment in the workplace. Further, employees can freely report sexual harassment involving themselves, other employees, or applicants.
What Do I Have to Prove in a Sexual Harassment Case?
One of the critical questions is whether the employer or someone you work with intentionally or knowingly engaged in this practice. Additionally, according to the EEOC, the harassment must be so frequent or severe that it creates a “hostile work environment.” In short, it can be an event that occurred once (such as a sexual assault) or something that happened multiple times (e.g., supervisors who frequently make disparaging comments about women).
Ways to prove that your employer or coworker sexual harassed you include:
- Security footage,
- Photographs,
- Text messages or emails,
- The timing surrounding the action, and
- Witness statements.
Our office can help you gather the appropriate evidence to prove your sexual harassment case. We understand that coming forward about these claims can be difficult and draining. We are here to help support you during this process, making you feel comfortable and advocating for your rights.
How Do I File a Sexual Harassment Claim?
You can file a claim with the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) liaison. Under Arizona law, you must file the claim within 180 days of when the sexual harassment occurred. If you miss this deadline, you may be unable to file a legal claim against the person who sexually harassed you.
Please note that federal employees typically have 45 days to file a complaint with the EEOC.
Our team can review your claim, helping you understand when you must file it. We will also file the claim on your behalf and help you compile the necessary information to do so.
Thunderbird Law Group Is Here to Help
Disclaimer
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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Legal issues can be very timely matters that require immediate attention – the faster you begin pursuing resolutions, the better your chances of obtaining them. Contact us for further information.
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