What counts as sexual harassment at work?

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome comments, actions, or behavior based on sex. It can be verbal, physical, or visual, and can create a hostile or offensive work environment.

Does sexual harassment have to be physical?

No. It can be verbal (like inappropriate jokes or comments) or nonverbal (like suggestive looks or gestures).

What should I do if I’m being sexually harassed by a coworker?

Report it to your supervisor, HR department, or follow your company’s complaint procedure. Keeping a record of what happened can also help.

Can my boss fire me for reporting sexual harassment?

No. Retaliation for reporting harassment is illegal. You have protections under South Carolina and federal law.

What if the harassment happens outside of work hours?

If it’s connected to work — like at a company event or between coworkers — it can still be considered workplace harassment.

How long do I have to file a claim of sexual harassment?

In South Carolina you have 300 days from the date of harassment to file a charge with the EEOC, but acting sooner is better.

What if the person harassing me is a client or customer?

Employers are still responsible for protecting employees from harassment by clients, vendors, or customers.

Can sexual harassment happen to men too?

Yes. Harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

What should an employer do if someone reports sexual harassment?

They should take the complaint seriously, investigate promptly, and take steps to stop the harassment if it’s happening.

Can I be punished for supporting a coworker’s harassment claim?

No. Retaliating against someone for reporting or supporting a claim is illegal.

Is one comment or incident enough to be harassment?

Sometimes. If the incident is severe enough (like assault), one incident can be considered harassment. Otherwise, harassment is often judged based on repeated behavior.

Does Cromer Babb and Porter handle sexual harassment?

Yes, we do. Please use our inquiry form here. You can also give us a call at (803) 799-9530 or email info@cromerbabb.com