Sexual harassment in the workplace is inappropriate and unlawful in New Jersey.  Regrettably, many employers do not take such matters seriously and do not take appropriate measures to prevent, investigate, and stop sexual harassment.

Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and other federal statutes, your employer has a responsibility to prevent, investigate, and properly address sexual harassment complaints. If you have been subjected to harassment, the individual harasser and your employer may be responsible for compensating you for economic damages and your pain and suffering.

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct in the workplace. This can include conduct of a sexual nature or conduct based on someone’s sex or sexual orientation.

• Unwelcome Conduct: Sexual harassment includes unwelcome and unwanted behavior. It is helpful if the victim informs the harasser that the conduct is unwelcome. The victim of sexual harassment should also inform the harasser that the conduct needs to stop.
• Severe or pervasive conduct: Many different types of actions of a sexual nature may be sexual harassment. This may include verbal, physical, nonverbal, or visual conduct. For instance, inappropriate touching and sexual jokes may both constitute sexual harassment, although they take different forms.
• Conduct that affects work environment: Sexual harassment can create a hostile work environment for the victim. Inappropriate and unwanted conduct at the workplace can make the victim feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Every person should feel comfortable where they work. But this type of harassment can create a hostile work environment for the victim, affecting the victim’s work performance.