Can I file a sexual harassment claim against my employer if I was harassed outside of the workplace?

Under California law, an employer can be liable for sexual harassment even if it did not occur in an office building or traditional workplace. Many company events take place outside of work premises, such as conferences, off-site meetings, business trips, company-sponsored parties or social functions at a home.
 
Employers can bear liability for sexual harassment that happens at these places even if employee attendance is voluntary. An employee may have a sexual harassment claim as long as there was an employment relationship between the parties involved when the harassment occurred. For example, if a coworker or supervisor was acting within the scope of their employment when the unwanted behavior took place.
 
Sexual harassment that happens outside of the workplace can either be a severe one-off incident or repetitive, pervasive conduct that contributes to a hostile work environment. An employer can also be liable for sexual harassment if they knew or should have known that it occurred but took no action to stop it.
 
Employees have the right to report sexual harassment to their employer even if it occurred outside the traditional workplace environment. Employers are required to take all complaints seriously, no matter where the harassment took place.
 
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the course of your employment, discuss your situation with a knowledgeable Oakland employment lawyer. Erlich Law Firm can advise you on what steps you can take and whether you have a case against your employer.

Other Sexual Harassment FAQs:

• Can I file a sexual harassment claim against my employer if I was harassed outside of the workplace?
• Can I file a sexual harassment claim even if there were no witnesses?
• Can my employer fire me if I complain about sexual harassment?
• Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a sexual harassment claim?
• Can sexual harassment victims stay anonymous?
• Does online harassment count as sexual harassment?
• Does physical touching need to be involved for conduct to be considered sexual harassment?
• Does verbal harassment count as sexual harassment?
• How can a lawyer help me with my sexual harassment claim?
• How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim?
• I was sexually harassed at work do I need an attorney?
• What evidence do you need to prove sexual harassment at work?
• What happens if you are laid off after being sexually harassed?
• What is sexual harassment at work?
• What is sexual harassment in the workplace?
• What should I do if I was sexually harassed at work?
• What should I do to protect my legal rights if I have been sexually harassed at work?
• What types of sexual harassment can occur in California workplaces?
• Who do I tell if I feel that I am being sexually harassed at work?
• Who is liable for sexual harassment in the workplace?