Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Virginia Beach – Physical Conduct
Written by our sexual harassment lawyers in Virginia Beach
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome physical conduct, contact, or proximity of a sexual nature. It involves actions that are uninvited, offensive, or create an intimidating or hostile environment. It is behavior that makes the recipient feel uncomfortable, degraded, or violated.
For more than a decade, our sexual harassment lawyers in Virginia Beach have helped employees determine if they have grounds for a sexual harassment lawsuit based on physical contact, then file it, against businesses throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.
Some Common Examples of Physical Sexual Harassment
- Unwanted Touching. Groping, fondling, or grabbing.
- Inappropriate Contact. Unsolicited massaging of the shoulders or neck, or unwanted patting, hugging, and kissing.
- Physical Intrusions. Deliberately brushing or bumping up against someone’s body.
- Blocking Movement.Intentionally cornering someone, blocking their path, or standing uncomfortably close.
Two Main Types of Physical Sexual Harassment
Hostile Environment. Conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Even a single, highly egregious physical act can qualify.
Quid Pro Quo. Unwelcome physical advances or conduct where submission implicitly or explicitly affects employment, academic, or professional opportunities.
Important Distinctions and Fine Lines
- Consent.If the physical contact is consensual, it is not harassment. The moment it becomes unwelcome, uninvited, or forced, it crosses the line into harassment or assault.
- Intent vs. Impact:The harasser’s intentions do not matter. If the conduct is unwelcome and creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment, it is considered harassment.
- Severity:It often overlaps with sexual assault—which is intentional sexual contact without consent—but harassment is a broad civil violation that includes lesser but still pervasive unwanted physical actions.
Sadly, the above situations happen every day in the workforce. But you don’t have to put up with it. Our sexual harassment 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.
