Sexual harassment in the workplace is unfortunately still commonplace. And it is not just face-to-face harassment that workers encounter on a frequent basis. Harassment online occurs even though many employers have strict policies about use of company computers for non-work and illegal activities. Even when a company fails to have a handbook policy regarding harassment, employees should not be afraid to voice their concerns. Laws exist to stop sexual harassment.
Victims of harassment can recover monetary damages that can include back pay, future monetary losses, and payments for emotional pain, mental anguish, and suffering, as well as for loss of enjoyment of life. In certain situations, punitive damages can be awarded where malice or recklessness or callous indifference are shown to have existed.
When a victim is the recipient of inappropriate materials via the Internet, or when a victim finds damaging or embarrassing postings online at company websites, remedies exist to stop the inappropriate behavior. A victimized employee can do the following: