Workplace Romances Gone Bad: Your Rights Regarding Harassment

I have been been representing victims of sexual harassment for many years, and have handled a category of cases that include women who have been pressured by a superior into having a sexual relationship with their boss.

Perhaps the relationship was truly consensual when it started out.   It is often hard to say, because there is always inherent pressure for a subordinate employee to go along with her boss’ sexual advances in order to remain employed.    In addition to that, the subordinate employee may experience tremendous employment benefits for submitting to her boss’ advances.

Was it Really Consensual?

The problem I have seen first hand with many of my clients is the relationship that started out pressured and awkward for the subordinate employee, but was arguably consensual.   The subordinate employee experiences employment security and often raises and promotions and special benefits not experienced by other employees, making her feel all the more trapped in the relationship.

The Severe Impact of a Hostile Workplace

These relationships can begin to feel like a prison sentence when the subordinate employee realizes that she is trapped and cannot say no without the risk of losing her job.   I know from experience representing women in this situation that they can get so desperate that sometimes they feel like committing suicide.  Three of my clients in this situation made a suicide attempt.  

Many times these employees feel like they have no options since they arguably entered into the relationship voluntarily and they blame themselves for doing so. This is simply not the case, and employees always have legal rights. If you are in this situation, please call Melinda Knisley at (513) 232-LAWS (5297), or click here to contact me now, to confidentially discuss your rights, free of charge.   I do not charge an hourly rate or retainer to handle these types of distressing workplace situations.

I wil be able to help you figure out the best solution for your situation, and can certainly advise you what to do to get yourself out of it.  For more information about our firm and the law, visit our website at www.croskerylaw.com.