When Can You File a Lawsuit over Sexual Bribery?
The corporate workplace is a stressful environment where everyone is trying to get ahead by working hard and improving their value to the company. When supervisors use sexual bribery to maintain control over employees, that can add an entirely new layer of emotional and psychological damage to those employees. When should you take legal action against your supervisor and your employer?
What is Sexual Bribery?
Sexual bribery occurs when you are forced to engage in sexual activity or tolerate sexual advances to keep your job, get a promotion, or get a raise. It can occur between two employees as well as between a supervisor and subordinate. For example, if an employee needs someone to cover their and a co-worker offers to take the shift in exchange for sexual favors, that is sexual bribery.
Document Your Situation
It is extremely important that you document your situation as accurately and completely as possible. If there are company memos that correspond to specific meetings where events occurred, then you should keep those memos. As painful as it may be, you should write down as many details as you can remember from each meeting, including dates, locations, possible witnesses, and written or oral communication so you have the information you need to file a comprehensive complaint.
File a Complaint
You may be fearful about filing a sexual harassment complaint against a member of your management team, but it is illegal for your company to release you because you filed a complaint. As you go through the process of filing a complaint with your human resources department, you should make sure to get a copy of every form you file and continue to make notes about the process, including dates and individuals or offices with whom you had communication.
So When Should I File a Lawsuit?
If you go through the process of filing a complaint and trying to follow up with your company, then you have created a paper trail that can prove the existence of some form of mistreatment. As long as you have copies of what was filed, then you can prove that you attempted to solve the problem using company policies. If the company ignores your report or does nothing, then you can file a lawsuit. If your company fires you after you submit your complaint, then you can also sue for wrongful termination.
Our law firm has plenty of experience in helping victims of sexual bribery. We invite you to contact our experienced sexual harassment attorneys who will work hard to get you the maximum possible compensation for your situation.