Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

I'm wondering if what I've heard is right - that touching someone without their permission is legally 'battery'. My mechanic, twice now, has done this with me, touching my arm or my shoulder, a little too long for comfort, usually saying something sexist, like, "Don't you worry, honey. We'll take good care of your baby!" (i.e., my car) The first time he did this, I complained to the service manager, but was complaining about a couple of other things, so this issue got ignored. I haven't said anything to him since there are usually other people around and I don't want to make a scene - plus, I'm usually in shock that this is happening. If it happens again, is there any action I can take? Calling the police into it so I have it on record? Taking someone with me next time, so I have a witness?


Asked on 5/19/14, 12:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

I would suggest avoiding the mechanic by taking your vehicle elsewhere for servicing. By going to the shop and allowing the mechanic to touch you without protest, he might think you're tacitly consenting. What he is doing is wrong, of course and, fortunately, he can be avoided in the future.

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Answered on 5/24/14, 5:06 pm


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