Ask Judge Mathis – January 17, 2013

Yes, Beth, you can. If your boss made unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors and threatened your job if you refused his advances, you definitely have a case against him or her. You could also have a case if the pass itself made you feel uncomfortable at work. For example, if your boss’s comments interfere with your ability to perform your job (i.e. you were so distressed that you could not perform your regular work duties), or create a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment (i.e. your boss continues to make sexual remarks about you), your employer may be liable to you. The court will look at everything surrounding your boss’s comments and the effects the comments have had on you to determine whether a reasonable person in your position would have found the comments offensive, hostile and abusive.