When it comes to sexual harassment, many people assume that it is typically confined to certain types of job sites, such as construction yards, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and other places that have traditionally had a predominantly male workforce.
This is a very dangerous assumption to make, however, given the pernicious and wholly pervasive nature of sexual harassment.
The simple reality is that sexual harassment can occur anywhere at any time and to anyone. Indeed, consider a recent lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the owner of a popular tourist destination in Fort Lauderdale.
Who exactly was named in this EEOC lawsuit?
Earlier this month, the EEOC filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Vacation Resorts International, one of the nation’s largest timeshare resort management firms and the owner of the popular Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
What’s the crux of the complaint?
The EEOC is pursuing the matter on behalf of a female housekeeper who the complaint says was subjected to repeated sexual harassment by a manager at the resort, including inappropriate comments and unwelcome physical contact.
It also alleges that the employee’s complaints to the manager’s supervisor were ignored, and that she was summarily dismissed when she threatened to take the matter to a higher-ranking superior.
What is the EEOC seeking in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit accuses VRI of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through the sexual harassment and retaliation practiced by its employees. It was filed only after a pretrial conference failed to yield an acceptable settlement, and is seeking front pay, back pay, punitive damages and compensatory damages.
If you or a loved one has been victimized by what you believe was sexual harassment, please understand that you do not have to silently endure any trauma and that a skilled legal professional can help you pursue the justice you deserve.