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Philadelphia Sexual Abuse and Harassment Lawyers

Sexual abuse includes two types of behavior: sexual assault and sexual harassment. All types of sexual abuse are serious and harmful to the victim and may harm the person physically and emotionally, leaving a lasting impact. When this occurs, a victim may be able to obtain compensation in a legal action by obtaining an aggressive Philadelphia sexual abuse and harassment lawyer. Sexual assault is defined as any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Sexual assault involves the use of force, which may be verbal or physical. The forceful party uses such force knowing that the act is not wanted by the victim. Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other unwanted verbal comments or physical contact of a sexual nature, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. While sexual harassment may affect the victim’s well-being, it is much harder to prove than sexual assault. It often includes comments meant to offend the victim, referring to their sex, but does not necessarily have to be sexual in nature.

If you have experienced sexual assault or harassment, reach out to the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Hill & Associates to learn about your options for recovering compensation. With over fifteen years of experience, we have the knowledge and commitment necessary to win your case. Many women feel alone and helpless after enduring sexual abuse or harassment, but our compassionate attorneys are available to take your side and advocate for you.

Sexual Assault and Harassment Statistics

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network reports that a person becomes the victim of sexual assault every two minutes. About one out of every six women in the United States will be the victim of sexual assault, almost half of them under the age of eighteen. More than ten percent of all rape victims are young children, under the age of twelve, and about 17 million women total in the United States have been the victim of attempted rape or completed rape.

Sexual assault and harassment does not just affect women; men are also victims. It is estimated that three percent of all men in the United States have been victims of a rape or attempted rape. In total, nearly three million men in the United States have been sexually assaulted. As an experienced Philadelphia sexual abuse and harassment lawyer, Leonard K. Hill and his team of attorneys are known for their results-oriented approach and for the caring, personal attention given to each and every one of their clients.

Harassment in the Workplace

At work, women and men may become victims of sexual harassment. The harassment may be discreet, such as quiet verbal comments, or outright physical aggression. It may be in the form of a subtle touch or coercion by someone soliciting sexual favors. Many cases of sexual harassment are never reported. Often, victims of sexual harassment and assault feel ashamed or embarrassed about what has happened to them. Some victims fear rejection or worry that others will believe that the victim’s own actions or style of dress send a message that encourages harassment. Consequently, cases of harassment are underreported. Nevertheless, sexual harassment is very common and damaging to a victim’s emotional well-being.

While certainly not an all-encompassing list, these are a few common scenarios of sexual harassment in the work atmosphere:

  • A woman is offered a promotion at job and her boss has made it clear that it is contingent upon her agreeing to a sexual relationship with him or her
  • A woman employee is denied a promotion for refusing to have a sexual relationship with her boss
  • An employee continually tells “gay jokes” in the office in front of a gay co-worker
  • A man makes sexual comments about a woman co-worker every time she walks by him

Consult a Philadelphia Sexual Abuse and Harassment Lawyer

In any event, sexual assault and harassment of any kind is illegal and should be taken very seriously. If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault or harassment, contact a qualified attorney at Hill & Associates who will aggressively and tirelessly fight to put an end to this form of abuse and obtain appropriate compensation for you. Call our office at (215) 567-7600 or contact Hill & Associates online today to request your initial free case evaluation.

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