Prevention of sexual harassment in California
“Sleep with me if you want to keep your job.”
Sounds good to you? What if your superiors have offered you as such?
In these modern times, it is hard to believe that sexual harassment in the workplace still exists. Sadly, it is still happening. Whether you are in a small or large organization, there is always a tendency to be attacked at work without even realizing it. Some would even use their power in the office to get what they want in exchange for job security. But what is sexual harassment? How can you tell if it is sexual harassment?
According to Wikipedia, sexual harassment is intimidation or coercion of a sexual nature or the unwanted or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. In the state of California, sexual harassment prevention in California stalking cases tends to increase each year. According to statistics from the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), California rape crisis centers served 31,790 survivors of sexual violence in the state during the 2011-2012 fiscal year. In fiscal year 2011-2012, 134,322 people received community sexual assault education in fiscal year 2011-2012. There are an estimated 8.6 million survivors of sexual violence other than rape in California. There are an estimated 2 million female rape victims in California, 5.6 million women in the state have been victims of sexual violence in addition to rape. There are an estimated 3 million male survivors of sexual violence other than rape in California. Studies suggest that 40% to 70% of women and 10% to 20% of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
With the increase in sexual assault cases in California, especially by supervisors, California sexual harassment training as required by law is vital for superiors. Also known as California State Law AB 1825, which is part of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, took effect on August 17, 2007. The legislation requires statewide sexual harassment training for any employee performing duties supervision within a company of 50 or more employees. Under AB 1825, supervisors must be trained within six months of being hired and retrained every two years. The new training, which will take effect on January 1, 2018, stipulates that the training must include specific examples of such harassment on the basis of gender identity or expression or sexual orientation and that at least part of the training must be submitted by knowledgeable trainers. and experience in these areas. To make it easier for everyone, the web-based training has been established in the form of a webinar and e-learning. These training solutions are consistent, compliant, and take no valuable employee time. Online bullying training courses in California are also easily tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization in accordance with AB1825. Failure to comply will result in lawsuits for thousands of violations and fines.
For the victims who did not defend their rights, there is still HOPE! The sexual harassment law offers strong protection in California. There are numerous consulting companies that offer free consultations on workplace bullying.
Just speak up and don’t be afraid that sexual harassment is never pretty!