What to Do About Sexual Harassment by Professionals in California

Unfortunately, sexual harassment can happen anywhere, not just in the workplace. You may even experience sexual harassment by professionals you’re supposed to be able to trust, like dentists, doctors, psychotherapists, lawyers, real estate agents, landlords, or teachers.

California recognizes just how traumatic sexual harassment can be in these types of non-work relationships built on trust and respect. The law protects victims and gives them options. Under California law, Civil Code Section 51.9, anyone who establishes a business, service, or professional relationship with you can be held liable for sexual harassment. That means you can sue for damages by filing a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit.

What Types of Professionals Are Prohibited From Sexual Harassment Under Section 51.9?

The law protects you from sexual harassment by anyone with whom you share a business, service, or professional relationship that cannot be terminated easily.

Section 51.9 includes (but is not limited to) the following types of professionals:-

Building contractors and appraisers

Lawyers and social workers

Accountants, financial advisors, and financial planners

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers

Teachers or professors who sexually harass their students

Psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and other mental health care providers

When Can You Sue Professionals for Sexual Harassment?

The law protects you from sexual harassment by anyone with whom you share a business, service, or professional relationship that cannot be terminated easily. Under Section 51.9, you may sue for damages if you can prove that you suffered a personal injury or an economic loss or disadvantage because of the harassment.

The injuries you suffer could be emotional distress or even the violation of a legal right – for example, the right to be free of gender discrimination in housing.

When it comes to discrimination or harassment in the workplace, employees must usually take certain steps to report the behavior before escalating their claims in court. In contrast, if you have a claim for sexual harassment against a business or service professional under Section 51.9, you can file a lawsuit directly with the Superior Court of California.