Stockton Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sexual harassment in the workplace has long been recognized as a form of illegal sex discrimination. While sexual harassment itself can take many forms–offensive remarks, unwelcome sexual advances, demands for sexual favors, et al.–perhaps the most egregious is sexual assault. When someone touches you an intimate area against your will, that is sexual assault. It is a criminal act, and your employer may be civilly liable for allowing or promoting such conduct.

The Stockton sexual assault lawyers at Venardi Zurada LLP are here to advise you during this difficult and traumatic period. We know there is never any excuse for sexual assault on the job or anywhere else. And we will make every effort to obtain justice on your behalf.

What Should You Do Following a Sexual Assault at Work?

In the workplace context, sexual assault covers more than rape or forced intercourse. Any kind of unwanted grabbing, groping, or similar physical contact is illegal. It is also not necessary for the assailant to seek sexual gratification through their actions. If you are targeted for unwanted physical contact simply due to your sex, gender, or perceived gender, it is still a sexual assault.

If your company has a sexual harassment policy, make sure you read it and take appropriate action, such as reporting your assault to a supervisor or human resources. You can also file civil and criminal complaints with the state. The California Civil Rights Department can investigate your employer for unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment. Your local police can also investigate the sexual assault and refer the matter for possible criminal prosecution.

A critical thing to keep in mind, however, is that you do not need to wait for a criminal investigation to take civil action. You can sue your attacker–and your employer–for a sexual assault that occurs in the workplace. The burden of proof is substantially lower in a civil lawsuit than a criminal trial. So even if your attacker is never criminally charged or tried, you may still be able to recover financial compensation for the damage done to you.

As far as employer liability is concerned, federal and state discrimination laws forbid an employer from creating or facilitating a hostile work environment based on sex. This means that if there is a pattern of harassing or discriminatory conduct that led to your sexual assault, your employer can be held financially responsible as much as your attacker.

The important thing is not to keep quiet about your sexual assault. There are legal deadlines to take action. So if you wait too long, you may find you are out of luck when it comes to filing a complaint or a lawsuit.

Contact Our Stockton Sexual Assault Lawyers

Sexual assault is a serious problem that affects far too many California workers. If you have been the victim of such heinous conduct and need legal advice from a qualified Stockton sexual assault lawyer, call Venardi Zurada LLP today at (833) VZ FOR ME to schedule a free confidential consultation.

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