Every day, millions of Massachusetts residents leave the comfort of their homes to go to work. While there, numerous individuals find themselves subjected to questionable behavior from their co-workers and/or their employers. Sometimes, it is difficult to discern if that behavior is just an annoyance or of legal concern. This is particularly true in cases of suspected sexual harassment.

What is sexual harassment? It is any unwanted or uninvited conduct, comments or behavior of a sexual nature. It does not have to be physical, which is what many people assume. A few examples of sexual harassment include:

• Sending suggestive notes
• Sharing sexually inappropriate media content
• Unwanted touching
• Making sexually inappropriate comments

There are many other forms of sexual harassment, but these are some of the most commonly seen. This type of conduct can interfere with one’s job or makes one’s working environment uncomfortable. No one should have to put up with it. Unfortunately, many men and women fear reporting what they believe to be sexual harassment. They think they will be looked at in a different light or that they will be retaliated against for taking a stand.

These fears are certainly understandable. Sadly, victims of sexual harassment are often victimized again when they report the issue. This is not okay, and Massachusetts residents who feel that their complaints of sexual harassment have not been appropriately addressed may take legal action against those responsible for the behavior, those who failed to do anything about it and those who retaliated against them for standing up for themselves. Legal counsel can review the details of one’s case and, if sexual harassment is believed to have occurred, help one seek compensation for any losses suffered.