Preventing Sexual Harassment

In a social climate dominated by the #MeToo movement and with news of a variety of sex crimes commanding national headlines, being accused of sexual harassment ranks among the most damaging accusations against any employer.

If your company is facing a serious employee complaint of sexual harassment, your rights as a business owner or high-ranking executive should be protected from the very start of the claim. This is what we do year-round at Santa Barbara’s Anticouni & Ricotta, the employment law leader on California’s Central Coast.

What To Do Immediately After An Employee Alleges Sexual Harassment

When an employee alleges sexual harassment, the response in those first hours can set the tone for the entire process. Employers often make the mistake of reacting informally or waiting too long to address issues. That approach exposes the business to greater risk.

The correct steps include:

• Document the report promptly: Every detail of the allegation, including dates, times and involved parties, should be written down and preserved.
• Avoid informal investigations: Managers or HR staff may think they can “look into it,” but this rarely protects the company. An internal review conducted without legal guidance can become evidence used against the employer.
• Notify insurance: Contact your insurance carrier, as many policies cover harassment claims and may provide defense support.
• Do not retaliate: Even small changes in scheduling, pay or assignments following a sexual harassment complaint can be treated as retaliation under California and federal law.
• Seek legal help: A structured, attorney-led response shows regulators and courts that the company takes the matter seriously.

Anticouni & Ricotta has defended employers across California for decades. Using this exposure, we guide leadership through the necessary immediate steps while protecting the record.

How To Respond To A CRD/EEOC Complaint In California

If the matter escalates and you must respond to a CRD sexual harassment complaint in California, timing and strategy are everything. The Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission often coordinate investigations. Therefore, an incomplete or inconsistent response can damage your case before it begins.

When building an EEOC complaint defense, we emphasize the following:

• Deadlines: Missing a response window can mean automatic loss of rights.
• Consistency: Every statement provided to the CRD (California Civil Rights Department) or EEOC must align with prior records and communications.
• Position statements: Employers should never draft these statements without legal help. They are binding and will be used throughout the case.
• Preservation of evidence: Emails, text messages and personnel files must be secured; otherwise, the agency may infer intentional destruction.

Our experience with California employment law gives us a unique perspective. We filed the first successful wage and hour class action in the state over 50 years ago. Anticouni & Ricotta continues to bring that same aggressive, detail-oriented approach to defending harassment claims. Our legal team views any administrative complaint as a serious challenge that requires an “at-home,” family-like collaborative approach to achieve the best possible result.

Skilled Legal Guidance For Employers Facing Sexual Harassment Complaints

At Anticouni & Ricotta, we aggressively advocate at every stage of the process for employers accused of actions that include:

• Unwanted advances
• Unwelcome remarks and hands-on contact
• Proposed exchanges of sexual favors for hirings, promotions and raises
• Demotion or wrongful termination of an employee who resists sexual pressures
• Visual examples with sexual content
• Sexual intimidation and humiliation
• Offensive language

Let’s get started mediating, negotiating or litigating in an effort to reach a favorable outcome for the business that you worked so hard to build. We look forward to getting to know you and listening to your concerns during your initial consultation. Contact Anticouni & Ricotta by phone at 805-699-5968 or leave an email message.