Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Virginia

Sexual Harasment in Homeless Shelter

We have a client in our homeless shelter that complained to me about comments made to her by another staff member. (Comments were made about her breasts) I took this to my supervisor. She spoke with the client and told her ''for this to be considered sexual harassment, you have to tell M*** that you don't want to be talked to in this manner.'' I find that ludicrous! The client feels uncomfortable around this staff member and I don't think she should have been discouraged by being told that this wasn't a legitimate complaint. She explained to my boss that she didn't say anything to him for fear of being evicted from the shelter and she and her kids have no where else to go. Without knowing the law, it still seems that this is sexual harassment. Please enlighten me.


Asked on 5/03/07, 8:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Sexual Harasment in Homeless Shelter

The complaint of the homeless shelter resident may very well be legitimate, but to be considered as a possible violation of federally prohibited sexual harassment law, the victim of the alleged harassment must be an employee within the company or other employer entity wherein the harassment allegedly occurred.

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Answered on 5/03/07, 9:01 am


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