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Kansas City
Sexual Harassment Attorney
Kansas City Sexual Harassment Lawyers: Fighting for Your Rights
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment or assault, you’re not alone. At Siro Smith Dickson PC, our dedicated Kansas City sexual harassment lawyers have been representing victims for over 40 years. We understand the profound impact these experiences have, and we’re here to provide compassionate and effective legal support.
Our lead partner for sexual harassment cases, Athena Dickson, is an experienced female trial attorney who will listen to your story and guide you through every step of the legal process. Many victims find it helpful to discuss their experiences with a female attorney who understands the sensitive nature of these cases.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that includes any unwelcome sexual comments, actions, or conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or abusive work environment. You have a legal right to a workplace free from sexual harassment. Our Kansas City sexual harassment attorneys will vigorously defend your rights.
Who Can Be a Perpetrator of Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment can be perpetrated by various individuals, including:
- Supervisors or management
- Coworkers
- Third parties such as clients, customers, or vendors
It’s important to remember that the harasser can be of any gender – men can harass women and men, and women can harass men and women.
Common Examples of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can manifest in many forms, including:
- Sexual comments, remarks, innuendos, or jokes
- Offensive comments about a person’s body or appearance
- Sharing offensive sexual images, videos, emails, or pictures
- Offensive sexual gestures
- Demands for sexual favors
- Attempted or actual sexual touching
- Any other unwelcome sexual comments, actions, or conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or abusive environment
Employer Policies and Your Rights
Most employers have policies requiring employees to report instances of sexual harassment. If you’ve witnessed or experienced sexual harassment, reporting it is a crucial step. It is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee who reports, in good faith, possible sexual harassment.
If you report sexual harassment and subsequently face retaliation (such as demotion, termination, or other adverse actions), you likely have a strong legal case. Our firm can help you understand your rights and pursue legal action if your employer engages in illegal retaliation.
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How to Report Sexual Harassment in Kansas City
If you’re experiencing or have witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace, knowing how and when to report it can be incredibly challenging. At Siro Smith Dickson PC, our Kansas City sexual harassment lawyers are here to help you understand your options and navigate this complex process.
Reporting to Your Employer
Many company policies require employees to report suspected sexual harassment internally. This typically means informing management, HR, or another designated person within the organization. Some policies even state that employees who fail to report potential harassment could face consequences.
We understand that reporting can be daunting. Many employees fear retaliation from their employer, supervisors, or coworkers. If you’re struggling with the decision of whether or not to report, our team can provide guidance and support. If you believe you’re facing unfair or illegal harassment, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
Reporting to the Government
For employees in Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout Kansas and Missouri, there are several governmental agencies where you can file a formal complaint:
- Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR): For state-level complaints in Missouri.
- Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC): For state-level complaints in Kansas.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The federal agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws.
- Kansas City Human Relations Department: Specifically for employees working within Kansas City, Missouri city limits.
Before filing a formal charge with any of these agencies, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced sexual harassment attorney. An attorney can help you understand the process, gather necessary evidence, and ensure your complaint is filed correctly and within the strict deadlines.
Stopping the Harassment: What Can Be Done?
Clients often tell us they have two primary goals: they want the sexual harassment to stop, and they want to ensure it doesn’t happen again to them or their coworkers. Their safety and dignity, and that of others, are often their main concerns.
Sometimes, simply reporting the harassment through your employer’s internal process or to a state or federal agency like the MCHR, KHRC, or EEOC is enough to stop the behavior. In these instances, employers may take serious disciplinary action, including terminating the harasser.
Unfortunately, a formal report isn’t always sufficient. When reporting doesn’t lead to a resolution, legal action may be necessary to enforce the law and protect your rights. Since every situation is unique, it’s vital to contact a licensed attorney who specializes in this area of law to discuss your options and determine the most effective strategy.
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Taking Legal Action
If you’re considering taking legal action for sexual harassment, understanding the initial steps is crucial. At Siro Smith Dickson PC, our Kansas City sexual harassment lawyers guide clients through every phase of the process, ensuring your rights are protected.
While making an internal report to your employer is often the first step in a sexual harassment case, we strongly recommend consulting with or hiring an experienced sexual harassment lawyer before making that internal report.
Optimal Communication: An attorney can help you articulate your concerns in the most effective way, ensuring your report is clear, comprehensive, and legally sound. This maximizes your chances of gaining the attention and appropriate response from higher management or human resources.
Enhanced Legal Protection: With legal counsel, you can strategically frame your report to better protect yourself from potential retaliation or future disputes. Your lawyer will ensure your rights are preserved from the outset.
Faster Resolution: A well-crafted report, backed by legal insight, can often lead to a quicker and more favorable resolution to the problem, potentially avoiding prolonged disputes.
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The Critical Role of a Kansas City Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Government Filings
If an internal complaint doesn’t resolve the harassment, the next step typically involves filing a formal “charge” with a state or federal government agency. For victims of harassment, we strongly recommend consulting with or hiring a qualified Kansas City sexual harassment lawyer before taking this crucial step.
Our attorneys will:
- Protect Your Claims from the Start: A formal charge is your first official opportunity to articulate your factual and legal claims. It’s akin to filing a lawsuit, and precise wording is critical. Without legal guidance, your claims could be misunderstood, rejected, or even bar you from pursuing your case in court later on. Our sexual harassment attorneys ensure your charge is meticulously prepared to maximize your legal protections.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Many employees who file charges without legal assistance find their claims dismissed or encounter significant hurdles when trying to litigate their case. If your situation is serious enough to file a charge for sexual harassment, it’s serious enough to consult with an experienced sexual harassment attorney.
The Investigation Phase and Your Right to Sue
Once a charge is filed, the state or federal government agency (like the EEOC or Missouri Commission on Human Rights) will likely launch an investigation. This process can vary significantly in length, from as little as 30 days to 12 months or even longer.
During this investigation, you have the right to request a “Notice of Right to Sue” letter. This letter authorizes you to file a lawsuit in court. While the agency may choose to issue it, they also have the discretion to deny the request and continue their investigation.
Contact a Kansas City Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
At Siro Smith Dickson PC, we are dedicated to representing victims of sexual harassment and assault. We also stand up for employees who face retaliation for reporting harassment or assisting coworkers engaged in protected activities. If you believe you have a sexual harassment claim or simply need more information, please contact Athena Dickson or one of our other experienced sexual harassment attorneys today. We’re here to help.