Most people would agree that sexual harassment has been a problem in workplaces across the state and the country as a whole for a long time. Most will also have noticed more airtime being given to the matter in the past few years than previously. The #MeToo movement brought a wave of headline-grabbing cases against famous people accused of sexual harassment, and new allegations against often powerful celebrities hit the press on a regular basis.
It would be normal to assume that most cases of sexual harassment in the workplace get reported nowadays and that while some cases would go unreported, the majority of the incidents that occur would now get logged in the employer’s records and the perpetrators would suffer appropriate consequences. Unfortunately, this is miles off the truth.
The vast majority is not reported
Research has found that most sexual harassment does not get reported. One report found that 70% of employees experiencing it did not even report it to their employer and 85% of victims never took legal action. In other words, most perpetrators of sexual harassment get away with it and are free to do it again. Perhaps to the same person, perhaps to someone else.
California has strong laws in place to protect employees against sexual harassment. For example, it requires employers of more than five people to give training to those in supervisory roles about how to prevent sexual harassment. And it has clear paths available for those who need to report it. Nevertheless, it can feel scary reporting what has happened to you, and it may feel easier to just stay quiet. Seeking legal guidance can help you learn more about the support the law gives you and the options you have to hold those responsible to account.