2018 EEOC Report Shows Spike in Sexual Harassment Charges

In fiscal year 2018 the EEOC saw an increase in sexual harassment charges over 2017 numbers.  The EEOC filed 66 harassment lawsuits, including 41 that included allegations of sexual harassment.  These preliminary numbers reflect more than a 50% increase in suits challenging sexual harassment over fiscal year 2017.  As a result, the agency has put a new emphasis on anti-harassment efforts, focusing on training and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.

The numbers:  The EEOC recovered almost $70 million for sexual harassment claims in fiscal year 2018.  This is an increase from $47.5 million in fiscal year 2017.

"The EEOC's innovative training program "Respectful Workplaces," which teaches skills for employees and supervisors to promote and contribute to respect in the workplace, was in high demand since it was launched in October 2017.  Over 9,000 employees and supervisors in the private, public and federal sector work forces participated in Respectful Workplaces trainings this past fiscal year.   An additional 13,000 employees participated in the EEOC's anti-harassment compliance trainings."

Cathy Ventrell-Monsees, a senior attorney adviser to the chair of the EEOC, stated that sexual charges increase and decrease in response to major national events.  Early reports reflect that #MeToo may be one of those events prompting a spike in claims.

In closing, never turn a blind eye to potential or actual acts of harassment in your organization.  Be proactive.  Address the situation.  Alternatively you may find yourself on the receiving end of an EEOC claim.