Sexual harassment doesn’t stop at the office—it follows employees into their personal lives through digital messages, social media, and even workplace chat apps.
Supervisors, managers, and coworkers often use email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Instagram DMs, or text messages to cross boundaries and harass employees. Whether it’s an unwanted sexual message, inappropriate comments on social media, or repeated late-night DMs, online harassment is just as harmful as in-person misconduct.
At Kaplan Employment Law, our sexual harassment claims lawyers fight for employees who experience online sexual harassment, whether through messages, inappropriate demands, or retaliation for reporting sexual misconduct. We take on big corporations and win.
If you’ve been harassed or fired after reporting online misconduct, let’s talk.
What Is Online Sexual Harassment?
Online sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behavior through digital communication. This type of sexual harassment is just as damaging and unlawful as in-person sexual misconduct.
Common types of online sexual harassment:
- A manager sends you DMs late at night, making sexual advances
- A higher-up promises you a promotion or job benefits if you share sexual pictures
- A supervisor jokes about your appearance ona. Workplace chat app
- Sharing explicit images or requesting inappropriate photos
- Persistent unwanted DMs on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or TikTok
- A supervisor or executive making sexualized comments on social media posts
- Workplace chat platforms (like Slack, Microsoft Teams) being used for inappropriate conduct
- Retaliation after telling the harasser to stop or being fired after reporting the misconduct
Online sexual harassment doesn’t stop at the office doors—it follows you home. If this has happened to you, Kaplan Employment Law is here to fight for you.
Examples of Online Sexual Harassment at Work
Online harassment can take many forms, ranging from subtle to explicit, but all are harmful. Here are some common examples:
Inappropriate Emails or Chats
Sending sexually suggestive messages, jokes, or images through email or workplace messaging platforms can make employees feel objectified and uncomfortable.
Harassment on Workplace Messaging Platforms
Persistent unwanted attention on platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams, including inappropriate comments or requests for personal details, is a common form of online harassment.
Unwanted Social Media Messages
Harassment through DMs on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook—especially when tied to professional relationships—creates blurred boundaries and can feel like online stalking.
If you’ve experienced any of these behaviors, you may be able to file a sexual harassment claim to protect your rights.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Online Sexual Harassment
Building a strong claim for online harassment requires collecting evidence and demonstrating how the behavior impacted your work environment.
If you’ve been sexually harassed online by a supervisor, coworker, or anyone at work, taking the right steps can protect your rights:
- Save the Evidence – Take screenshots of inappropriate DMS on social media, comments on posts, and any messages on chat apps.
- Document Everything – Keep a record of when the harassment happened, and note how the treatment at work changed.
- Report the Harassment – Follow your company’s reporting procedure in the handbook.
- Consult an Employment Lawyer – If your employer fails to act, legal action may be necessary.
If your employer ignored your complaint, you have a stronger case. If you were fired after reporting harassment, your legal claims may be even stronger.
What Compensation Can You Recover in an Online Sexual Harassment Case in Florida?
Victims of online sexual harassment can seek compensation for the harm they’ve endured, including:
Emotional Distress Damages
Online harassment often causes significant emotional harm, including stress, anxiety, and embarrassment. Compensation for these damages is common in harassment claims.
Lost Wages and Professional Harm
If online harassment resulted in demotion, termination, or forced resignation, you may recover lost wages and compensation for career setbacks.
Legal Fees
Successful claims often include reimbursement for legal fees, ensuring victims aren’t financially burdened for seeking justice.
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FAQs about Online Sexual Harassment in Florida
Can I sue for inappropriate messages sent outside of work hours?
Yes. A sexual harassment claim often includes inappropriate sexual messages sent by supervisors to employees outside of work hours. If these sexualized messages (unwanted sexual advances or sexualized comments) contributes to a hostile work environment sexual harassment claim, the comments may be made after work hours.
How do I report online harassment to my employer?
Follow your company’s reporting process as outlined in the handbook. Keep it brief and direct:
“My supervisor (name) sent me sexually inappropriate messages on Instagram. I feel sexually harassed and am formally reporting this conduct.”
If you need legal guidance before reporting, talk to us first.
What should I do if my employer doesn’t take action after I report sexual harassment?
Employers are legally required to address harassment complaints. If they fail to investigate or discipline the harasser, they may be held liable.
Kaplan Employment Law has fought and won cases against companies that ignored harassment.
How long do I have to file an online sexual harassment claim in Broward County?
You generally have 300 days to file with the EEOC or one year under Florida law. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence.
Contact a Broward County Sexual Harassment Lawyer for Help Now
Online sexual harassment is just as harmful as in-person misconduct, and victims deserve justice. If you’ve been subjected to unwanted messages, DMs, or inappropriate emails, Kaplan Employment Law is here to help. Our experienced Florida sexual harassment attorneys will guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Complete our form today for a case review.
