As it appeared on USAttorneys.com

Your Fight Against Workplace Sexual Harassment in Atlanta Starts With Barrett & Farahany

Every employee deserves a workplace free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse. Yet, sexual harassment remains a persistent problem in Georgia — even in high-profile industries and government positions. For employees who have endured harassment, the emotional toll can be overwhelming, and the legal process can seem daunting. That’s where Barrett & Farahany steps in.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in employment law, our Atlanta sexual harassment attorneys are committed to protecting employees, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that harassment is addressed under the law.

The Legal Standard: “Severe or Pervasive”

Under both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act, sexual harassment is a form of unlawful workplace discrimination. Not every inappropriate comment or act meets the legal definition — instead, the behavior must be “severe or pervasive” enough to alter the terms and conditions of employment.

This standard means:

• Severe – A single incident of extreme misconduct may be enough if it is particularly egregious, such as sexual assault, explicit threats, or physically invasive behavior.

• Pervasive – Ongoing, repeated conduct that creates a hostile work environment, such as continual sexual comments, repeated unwanted touching, or persistent sharing of explicit materials.

Courts evaluate this by looking at:

• The frequency of the conduct.

• The severity of the conduct.

• Whether the behavior was physically threatening or humiliating, or merely offensive.

• Whether it interfered with the employee’s work performance.

• The power dynamics between the harasser and the victim.

In other words, the law recognizes that both a single extreme event and a pattern of ongoing harassment can meet the threshold — depending on the circumstances.

Georgia’s Ongoing Sexual Harassment Problem

According to EEOC data (2018–2021), Georgia ranks 7th in the nation for workplace sexual harassment charges, with 3.83 charges per 100,000 people. While reported cases have slightly decreased, experts caution that this may reflect victims’ fear of retaliation rather than a true decline in harassment.

Recent cases — from allegations against political leaders to lawsuits involving government offices — highlight that harassment occurs at all levels of employment. If it can happen in the halls of power, it can happen anywhere.

What Qualifies as Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Harassment can take many forms, including:

• Unwelcome sexual remarks, jokes, or comments that demean or offend.

• Unwanted sexual advances, including requests for sexual favors in exchange for workplace benefits.

• Physical contact such as groping, kissing, or other unwelcome touching.

• Displaying or sharing sexually explicit materials in the workplace.

• Threats, intimidation, or retaliation for rejecting sexual advances or reporting misconduct.

When such conduct is severe or pervasive, it creates a hostile work environment and violates federal and state law.

How Barrett & Farahany Helps Victims

We know that reporting harassment takes courage — especially when the harasser has power or influence. Our attorneys guide clients through every step:

1. Confidential Consultation – Understand your rights, your options, and the strength of your case.

2. Reporting to Your Employer & EEOC – Ensuring incidents are documented and formally acknowledged.

3. Evidence Gathering – Preserving communications, witness statements, and any corroborating proof.

4. Aggressive Advocacy – Whether negotiating a settlement or going to trial, we fight for justice and maximum compensation.

Take Action Today

Sexual harassment doesn’t just harm the individual — it poisons entire workplaces. If you’ve experienced conduct that was severe or pervasive, you may have a legal claim. At Barrett & Farahany, we are committed to giving victims a voice, protecting their rights, and ensuring that justice is served.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Atlanta sexual harassment attorney.