Flirting is often seen as playful and, indeed, under the right circumstances, it can be. It can also be a fun and emotionally safe way to show your interest in someone else or a lighthearted way to interact with friends. But when flirting is unwanted or persistent, it can quickly become sexual harassment – and when this harassment occurs at work, it crosses several lines.
Flirting can occur in person. It can include both words and touch. It can occur over text and via email. It may even be done through body language and certain looks. When someone you work with is persistent in their efforts and is unconcerned with your response, the matter may require the intervention of your HR department.
Once harassment is reported, it is the responsibility of the company to investigate it and put it to an end. When they fail to do so, additional action may be needed – such as assistance from an experienced sexual harassment attorney.
We Are Here to Help
The lawyers at the Cifarelli Law Firm understand how difficult it can be to prove that you are being harassed at work – especially when the other party claims to “only be flirting.” Remember, flirting can cross the line to sexual harassment when it makes you feel uncomfortable and creates a work environment that you find unpleasant, making this sometimes innocent thing anything but, and entitling you to take whatever action is necessary to make it stop.
If you have been made uncomfortable by unwanted and persistent attention at work, we encourage you to use the contact form on this page or call our Irvine office for a free consultation and overview of your rights and options.
When possible, we suggest you bring any documentation you may have to your first consultation. This will help us get a more comprehensive view of your situation and allow us to provide more accurate information about your rights. However, at the Cifarelli Law Firm, we believe victims and are here to listen and provide guidance regardless of what documentation you bring. We can conduct our own investigation into your claim to help gather what evidence will be needed to proceed.
Please call 949-502-8600 to schedule a free case review at our Irvine office. We represent victims of sexual harassment in Los Angeles and all surrounding Orange County communities.
