Workplace Sexual Molestation

In some instances, sexual harassment in the workplace may rise to the level of sexual molestation, which is a crime.  Many entities, including private businesses, educational institutions, and governmental agencies have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual molestation, often referred to as sexual abuse. 

Defining Sexual Molestation

Sexual molestation is a type of sexual abuse.  Sexual abuse is defined as the forcing of any unwanted sexual activity by one person on another.  In the context of the workplace, sexual molestation often occurs in fields that have been traditionally dominated by men, but way occur in any work environment.  Examples of sexual abuse include:

• Forced physical sexual contact, including rape;
• Sexual kissing or fondling;
• Exposure of genitalia; and
• Voyeurism

Signs of sexual molestation may be physical or emotional in nature.  Additionally, when sexual molestation occurs in the workplace, the sexual molestation victim attendance and productivity may suffer.

Sexual Molestation Penalties

Sexual molestation penalty vary from state to state.  Sexual molestation penalties may also vary depending on the type of sexual abuse and the duration and severity of the abuse.  Abusers may be sentenced to prison, may be required to attend rehabilitation therapy while incarcerated and as a condition of parole, and may be required to register as a sex offender.

Getting Legal Help

If you have been the victim of workplace molestation, you should report  the incident to the human resources department and to the local police department.  Additionally, you should consult with an attorney.  Depending on the nature of the sexual molestation and the work environment in which it occurred, you may have a civil claim against your employer.  An attorney will review the facts of your case to determine whether you have a valid claim.