Sexual harassment can stem from an office romance gone wrong. Workplace relationships are common but problematic, especially between managers and staff members. When an office romance ends poorly, harassment and retaliation can occur. If you have been in workplace relationships that have led to sexual harassment, turn to Castronovo & McKinney, LLC.
We work to protect the rights of sexual harassment victims throughout New Jersey. While harassment often involves unwanted sexual advances or offensive sexually-laden comments, sexual harassment can happen between consenting romantic partners. Regardless of the circumstances, all employees have a right to a work environment free from harassment. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Harassment After a Relationship Between Co-workers Ends
After a workplace relationship between two co-workers ends, one partner may want to move on. However, the other may relentlessly pursue their ex-partner and create a hostile work environment. If a former dating partner is harassing you at work, you may have grounds for a sexual harassment claim.
While you may be reluctant to report the harasser to human resources because you were romantically involved, your employer must take steps to stop the harassment. If the harassment continues, it takes an experienced New Jersey sexual harassment attorney to protect your rights.
You can depend on our sexual harassment attorney to get to the bottom of the situation and hold your employer accountable. We have an impressive track record of success in arbitration and court proceedings involving sexual harassment claims.
When a Manager Ends a Relationship With a Subordinate
There is always an imbalance of power when a supervisor or manager dates a subordinate. While it may be unrealistic for employers to ban such workplace relationships, office romances can become complicated. Even if the manager and the employee don’t have a reporting relationship, the employer should know about such a relationship and ensure that the manager has no way to affect the terms and conditions of the worker’s employment.
When a relationship between a manager and a subordinate goes sour, the subordinate could face sexual harassment. If a supervisor uses pressure to continue a workplace relationship and that person refuses, the employer may retaliate against that employee. You may have willingly dated your boss or another manager, but that does not mean you should tolerate sexual harassment.
Damaging Gossip After Workplace Relationships End
After a workplace romance ends, one partner may begin gossiping about their ex-partner. Whether or not the gossip is true, it can damage the victim’s professional reputation and career prospects. The offender may spread rumors about intimate matters or other private information to embarrass or intimidate the victim.
Gossip and rumors may be considered a form of sex stereotyping that rises to the level of sexual harassment. While it may not be possible to stop employees from gossiping, employers must prevent and stop sexual harassment. If gossip and rumors about the sexual activity of an employee damage their reputation or result in an adverse employment action (termination, demotion), employers can be held liable.
Why You Need a Sexual Harassment Lawyer After Workplace Relationships
If you are being harassed at work by a former dating partner, an experienced attorney can evaluate the facts and advise you about the next steps. Suppose your ex-dating partner asked you for one date after the relationship ended. That may not constitute sexual harassment. On the other hand, if your manager or co-worker repeatedly asks you out after you said no and asked them to stop, you may have a valid sexual harassment claim.
That is where Castronovo & McKinney comes in. We can help you bring a sexual harassment lawsuit against your employer for violating applicable anti-harassment laws. Notably, sexual harassment is considered a form of unlawful sex-based discrimination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Trust our legal team to handle all the details, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Interviewing witnesses, including the alleged harasser
- Obtaining and reviewing your employer’s sexual harassment policy
- Communicating with your employer, human resources personnel, and opposing counsel
- Negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement
While we work to settle harassment claims out of court, we are well-prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We will protect your rights and help you obtain just compensation, including damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress and reputational harm
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
You may also be entitled to punitive damages if your employer knew about the harassment and failed to stop it.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyer
No one should put up with sexual harassment after a workplace relationship has ended or at any other time. Whether a supervisor or co-worker with whom you were romantically involved is harassing you, our attorneys will be in your corner, fighting for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential consultation.