Each year, numerous California residents become victims in their workplaces. The #MeToo movement brought the plight of sexual harassment victims to the forefront, and the state's legislature attempted to respond last year with new legislation, but Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed it. Legislators tried again this year now that Gov. Gavin Newsom is in office, and he approved important changes to existing law.
Sexual harassment victims receive new protections from the law
Sheriff accused of sexual harassment
Employees typically trust that when they go to work, they will be treated fairly and respectfully. While that is true in the majority of workplaces, there are some instances where that is not the case. Some workers have superiors or other co-workers who may be unfairly discriminatory or create a work environment where not every employee feels safe and welcome. Fortunately, there are laws here in California and around the country meant to give employees recourse when they encounter these situations. One out-of-state law enforcement oversight committee made the recent choice to revoke the certification of one of its sheriffs who was accused of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment could still force a woman out of her job
California fans of "The Rookie" will not see one of its stars, Afton Williamson, return for the second season. She claims she was forced to endure racial discrimination and sexual harassment during the first season, and simply cannot return to the show. Feeling forced to leave a job due to these types of hostilities continues to be a common theme for women across the country.
Gender discrimination goes up as sexual harassment claims drop
Working women here in California may feel as though their struggle for equality is paying off. Sexual harassment claims are down thanks to initiatives such as the #MeToo movement. Sadly, some women now face another problem in the workplace -- gender discrimination and harassment.
The job shouldn't mean an open door for sexual harassment
Those who work in certain industries receive an unfair characterization from others. For instance, there is a museum on the East Coast dedicated to sex. One of the workers there says that she and others suffered through continuous sexual harassment from customers. She claims her employer did nothing about it.
What is "quid pro quo" sexual harassment?
Most Long Beach residents have heard the adage, "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch." People understand this to mean that they cannot get something for nothing -- there is always a price. When it comes to employment, workers believe this refers to the fact that they only get paid if they perform their job duties. Unfortunately, some workers end up finding out that a superior expects something else, and that something else could constitute "quid pro quo" sexual harassment.
Free yourself from sexual harassment in the workplace
Like other people here in Long Beach, you need your job. Without your income, you would not be able to pay the rent, put food on the table or afford your car payment. For this reason, you have put up with sexual harassment despite the fact that you now dread going to work and your physical and emotional well-being are compromised.
New sexual-harassment-related laws in California
Sexual harassment poisons work environments and can cause lasting harm to its victims. Unfortunately, this unacceptable behavior continues to show up in many workplaces here in the United States. Another sad reality is that many sexual harassment victims are subjected to an environment which could leave them feeling like they are not free to speak up about the wrong being done to them.
