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Sexual Harassment Cases

Washington, D.C. Sexual Harassment Attorney

Fighting for Victims of Sexual Harassment in Northern Virginia & Southern Maryland

Sexual harassment is considered a form of gender- and sex-based discrimination. Sexual harassment in the workplace is therefore prohibited under federal and state law, making the guidance of a sexual harassment lawyer in Washington, DC invaluable.

A person of any gender can be a victim of sexual harassment, and the harasser does not necessarily need to be someone of the opposite sex. No one should have to experience sexual harassment in their workplace.

You deserve a legal advocate who is committed to helping you recover damages and hold your employer accountable if you are dealing with:

  • Unwanted advances
  • Requests for sexual favors
  • Any other form of physical or verbal misconduct

At Pitre & Associates, LLC, we have a strong track record of securing favorable results for our clients, having obtained over $1 million in compensation and legal fees.

Our Washington, D.C. sexual harassment lawyers have over 15 years of legal experience and can assist you throughout each stage of the claims process. We offer an unmatched level of personal service, and our goal is to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Facing workplace discrimination or harassment? You don’t have to fight alone. Contact us today at (202) 759-6544 for a free consultation.

Your Rights: Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws

Navigating the complexities of workplace sexual harassment laws can be daunting, but understanding your rights is crucial for any employee. At Pitre & Associates, we believe that knowledge empowers you to take action. Our team is dedicated to educating clients about their legal protections under federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the D.C. Human Rights Act.

For those suffering from workplace harassment, being aware of your rights is the first step in asserting and defending them. Our firm prides itself on providing comprehensive guidance on how these laws apply in real-world situations, such as in workplaces with widespread systemic issues or in environments that may seem informal but are subject to the same legal standards. By understanding legal definitions and processes, clients are better equipped to identify harassment and take appropriate steps in a timely manner.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Federal Protections: Title VII prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual harassment. This means that no employee should face unwelcome sexual advances or a hostile work environment.
  • State-Specific Laws: In addition to federal laws, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland have their own statutes that provide additional protections against sexual harassment, often with broader definitions and stronger enforcement mechanisms. A sexual harassment lawyer in Washington, DC can help navigate these intricacies.
  • Reporting Procedures: Knowing the proper channels to report harassment is essential. We can guide you through the process, ensuring your complaint is filed correctly and promptly.
  • Retaliation Protections: It's illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report harassment or participate in investigations. Understanding these protections can help you feel more secure in coming forward.

If you believe you have experienced sexual harassment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced attorneys at Pitre & Associates. We are here to support you and fight for your rights every step of the way.

How Sexual Harassment is Addressed in Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., handling sexual harassment claims involves navigating both federal and local laws. The D.C. Office of Human Rights (DCOHR) plays a crucial role, investigating claims and ensuring they align with local regulations, such as the D.C. Human Rights Act. This act is notably comprehensive and often provides broader protections than federal statutes. Consulting a sexual harassment attorney in Washington, DC, ensures all avenues are explored.

Victims in D.C. have the opportunity to pursue their cases through both the local and federal systems, offering a dual pathway to justice. Pitre & Associates is adept at guiding clients through the complexities of each route, ensuring they understand their options and the potential outcomes of each path. Our extensive experience allows us to tailor our approach to the specific nuances of Washington, D.C. legal standards.

Why Choose Pitre & Associates?

  • Expertise

    Our attorneys bring over 15 years of experience in federal employment law, specializing in complex legal matters like discrimination, wrongful termination, and whistleblower protections. We are committed to staying at the forefront of legal developments to provide the most effective strategies for our clients.

  • Results

    Our attorneys have successfully negotiated over 8 million dollars in compensatory awards and attorney fees for clients. We’ve also prevented the removal and/or suspension of several federal employees, demonstrating our ability to achieve favorable outcomes. See our News and Case Successes for more details.

  • Reputation

    Pitre & Associates, LLC and its attorneys have maintained an impeccable record with no complaints to the DC Bar or negative reports to the Better Business Bureau. Our reputation reflects our commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and high-quality service for every client.

  • Reliability

    Pitre & Associates, LLC has built a reputation for trust, earning the confidence of nearly every client we represent. Our personalized approach makes clients feel valued, and we take great pride in achieving high levels of satisfaction by focusing on their unique needs and providing exceptional service.

What Is Considered Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a broad term that refers to situations where another person’s inappropriate conduct makes a worker feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Sexual harassment can also result in unfair treatment. Most people think of unwanted sexual advances when discussing this form of discrimination, but the truth is that sexual harassment can take many forms.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a federal law, specifically defines two major types of unlawful sexual harassment:

  • Hostile Work Environments. A hostile work environment refers to a situation where discrimination and harassment have become so pervasive that it interferes with the victim’s ability to do their job.
  • Quid Pro Quos. A quid pro refers to a scenario where someone asks for a sexual favor in exchange for some type of work-related advantage or opportunity. For example, a boss might tell a subordinate they will receive a promotion if they comply with a sexual request.

Understanding these definitions is crucial because recognizing harassment in all its forms is the first step towards addressing it. Hostile work environments can also manifest in other indirect ways, such as through the exclusion of individuals from team activities or the spreading of rumors that create a toxic atmosphere. 

Quid pro quo situations might include subtle suggestions of preferential treatment rather than explicit demands, making them harder to identify but equally damaging. Clients are encouraged to document all such incidents meticulously to build a strong foundation for any legal actions they might pursue.

Common Challenges in Sexual Harassment Cases

Sexual harassment cases can present unique challenges, primarily due to the subjective nature of the experiences and the need for substantial evidence. Documenting the context and collecting direct or indirect evidence like emails, texts, or witness statements can significantly impact the outcome. Victims may also face the dilemma of dealing with their employers' responses, which can range from supportive to dismissive.

At Pitre & Associates, we emphasize a diligent approach, guiding our clients on the best ways to gather and present evidence. Our commitment is to ensure that each case we handle is built on a foundation of credibility and legal soundness, often requiring us to go beyond the obvious to uncover patterns of behavior or systemic issues within an organization. A sexual harassment attorney in Washington, DC, from our firm, can aid you in overcoming these challenges effectively.

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