Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Virginia Beach – Understanding Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment

Written by our sexual harassment lawyers in Virginia Beach

Sexual harassment in the workplace is often associated with inappropriate comments or unwanted physical contact. However, many employees are surprised to learn that non-verbal conduct can also constitute unlawful sexual harassment under both Virginia and federal law.

Employers and employees alike should understand that intimidating gestures, suggestive visuals, and offensive behaviors can create a hostile work environment even when no words are spoken.

Under workplace discrimination laws, sexual harassment in any form is considered sex-based discrimination. This means that actions do not need to involve direct physical interaction or explicit verbal remarks to become legally actionable. If non-verbal conduct is unwelcome and severe or pervasive enough to interfere with an employee’s ability to work comfortably and safely, it may form the basis of a valid harassment claim.

For more than a decade, our employment lawyers in Virginia Beach have helped employees determine if they have grounds for a non-verbal sexual harassment lawsuit, then file it, against businesses throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.

Examples of Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment
According to our sexual harassment lawyers in Virginia Beach, following are some examples of non-verbal sexual harassment:

• Persistent staring or leering that makes an employee uncomfortable may be considered harassment if it creates an intimidating atmosphere.
• Obscene hand gestures, sexually suggestive movements, and inappropriate visual displays — including posters, cartoons, photos, or graphic content — can also violate workplace policies and anti-discrimination laws.
• In some cases, repeated whistling, catcalling, or other offensive non-verbal sounds may contribute to a hostile work environment.

As you can see, workplace harassment does not always come in the form of spoken words. Non-verbal actions can be equally damaging and may significantly impact an employee’s sense of safety, dignity, and professional well-being.

Our sexual harassment lawyers in Virginia Beach offer this advice if you feel you are being harassed:

• Document each incident carefully.
• Maintain records that include dates, times, locations, witnesses, and descriptions of the behavior.
• Many workplaces have formal reporting procedures outlined in employee handbooks or company policies. Reporting concerns internally to a human resources department or designated supervisor is often the first step in addressing the issue.

If an employer fails to correct the behavior, we can help. Our employment lawyers in Virginia Beach have extensive experience in representing clients in sexual harassment litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. If you want to fight back, we are able to help in all phases of litigation.

If you like where you work and NEED that job for your family, DO NOT let sexual harassment drive you from it. We can help!  Please call us immediately at (757) 432-2500 or use our online form below.

Sexual harassment lawyers in Virginia Beach serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and all of Hampton Roads.