Kentucky Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Make no mistake – sexual harassment violates federal and Kentucky laws. It encompasses a variety of prohibited behaviors and actions. In fact, you may have experienced some of the following, and you wouldn’t be the only one.

• Unwanted sexual advances
• Inappropriate and unwanted touching of any kind
• Sexually explicit or suggestive jokes
• “Accidentally” or purposely bumping into another person in a sexual manner
• Sexual innuendos
• Sexually explicit or suggestive cartoons, pictures, calendars, posters or computer screen wallpapers
• Sexually derogatory comments, slurs, gestures or epithets
• Asking for sexual favors or dates repeatedly
• Sexually suggestive or obscene emails, texts, notes, invitations or letters

Even though this isn’t an exhaustive list, it may give you some idea of what may constitute sexual harassment. The behaviors must be severe and numerous to create an actionable situation.

This May Have Happened Before

When the behavior is severe and ongoing, your manager, co-worker or employer may count on you not wanting to talk about being sexually harassed. The thinking is that you will be too ashamed, violated and isolated to say anything. You may wonder whether anyone would even believe you. If any of these thoughts sound familiar, then you should know that you have nothing to be ashamed of – you are the victim.

In fact, you may not be the only one, especially if the perpetrator appears confident that nothing will happen to him or her. Your bravery at coming forward could help stop a pattern of behavior that has affected others in the past or in the present. Even if that’s not the case, you do not have to suffer alone. Kentucky Employment Lawyers will advocate for you and be by your side as you confront your employer and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Answering Questions About Kentucky Workplace Sexual Harassment

At Kentucky Employment Lawyers, we help many Kentucky workers with employment law matters, which means we often face tough questions about sexual harassment in the workplace. Getting answers to your questions and concerns can help you proceed with a sexual harassment claim. If you have questions, you may find your answers below. You can also visit our guidelines page to learn about what is involved in preparing to file a claim or simply call us at 502-791-9296 for personalized guidance.

Is it sexual harassment if a co-worker asks me on a date?

While sexual harassment laws are complex, there are none that prevent a co-worker from asking you for a date. Yet, there is a fine line between a casual question and sexual harassment.

If you feel uncomfortable about being asked on a date because there was pressure or coercion involved or the co-worker relentlessly asks you out even after you decline, it could constitute sexual harassment.

If you say “no” after your co-worker asks you on a date, they should stop the requests. Understanding sexual harassment laws can help you understand at what point your co-worker’s pursuit of a date is unlawful.

Can I bring a claim for sexual harassment if I had an intimate relationship with a co-worker in the past?

It is not uncommon for people to have romantic relationships with co-workers. While many workplace relationships can succeed in the long term, many others fail. After a relationship ends, there could be issues of sexual harassment, such as unwelcome advances or nonconsensual touching. As a result of a co-worker’s actions, you could still file a sexual harassment claim despite your former relationship with this co-worker. A previous relationship does not excuse illegal conduct.

What if a co-worker or supervisor comments on my clothing or appearance?

The nature of a comment about your clothing may decide whether a co-worker or supervisor was harassing you. An innocuous comment about how you may look nice in a shirt, sweater or dress might not be harassment. However, if someone at work (co-worker or superior) constantly suggests you wear more revealing clothes or includes suggestive remarks, it could constitute actionable sexual harassment.

Contact us today online or by calling our Louisville office at 502-791-9296 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and options.