These days, when many Washington, D.C. residents think of wrongdoing in the workplace, sexual harassment comes to mind. Certainly, this type of misconduct continues to be a prevalent issue in workplaces across the country. However, this is only one type of harassment that employees could face on the job, and having to contend with other types could also warrant legal action.
Being harassed does not always mean that a person has been physically harmed or touched in any way. Though physical harassment is a problem, verbal harassment can also cause serious concerns for workers. Insults, inappropriate or offensive jokes, yelling, hurtful statements and slurs could all be considered harassing. However, if the verbal incidents only occur occasionally and do not cause any serious problems in the workplace, it might not constitute harassment. It is also important to note that verbal harassment can be more difficult to prove than other types of harassment.
Additionally, harassment does not always have to take place face to face. Some harassers could choose to act from behind a keyboard. They may send inappropriate, offensive, or threatening emails or post threats or hurtful comments about a person on social media. Though this type of mistreatment can certainly be harmful, it may be easier to prove that harassment is taking place as victims can save emails, screenshot social media posts and make other forms of documentation of the misconduct.
Dealing with work-related harassment can be a struggle for anyone. In some cases, Washington, D.C. workers may feel like they have to put up with inappropriate behaviors for the sake of their jobs, but when mistreatment in the workplace reaches a point where workers are suffering, mentally or physically, and feel uneasy going to work, action may be needed. If employers do not take appropriate steps to handle complaints, victims may wish to look into their legal rights and options.
