Ontario, California, is one of the Inland Empire’s busiest cities. With its international airport, major logistics centers, warehouses, retail outlets, restaurants, schools, and offices, Ontario provides employment opportunities for tens of thousands of workers.
Unfortunately, not all of these workplaces are safe or respectful. Sexual harassment remains a serious problem in Ontario and throughout San Bernardino County. If you are experiencing harassment on the job, you do not have to suffer in silence. An experienced Ontario sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your career, and hold employers accountable.
Sexual harassment is a form of workplace discrimination prohibited under both California and federal law. It involves unwelcome conduct based on sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation that interferes with an employee’s ability to work.
Verbal misconduct – crude jokes, sexual comments, or repeated requests for dates
Physical harassment – unwanted touching, hugging, blocking movement, or assault
Quid pro quo harassment – promotions, raises, or continued employment conditioned on sexual favors
Hostile work environment – ongoing, pervasive conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive workplace
Digital harassment – explicit texts, emails, or inappropriate images sent electronically
Sexual harassment can happen in any industry, but Ontario workers are especially vulnerable in:
Warehouses and logistics centers – long shifts and power imbalances between supervisors and employees can foster misconduct
Hospitality and restaurants – harassment by customers, managers, or coworkers is common
Healthcare facilities – nurses, medical assistants, and staff may experience harassment from patients or other employees
Retail and shopping centers – inappropriate behavior from customers or supervisors
Professional offices and schools – harassment can occur even in seemingly formal or structured environments
California’s FEHA gives employees some of the strongest workplace protections in the country. Under FEHA:
Employers with five or more employees must comply
Employers are strictly liable for harassment by supervisors
Companies must take reasonable steps to prevent and address harassment
Employees have up to three years to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD)
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act also prohibits sexual harassment. However, FEHA generally provides broader coverage, stronger remedies, and longer deadlines for Ontario workers.
Despite these protections, workers often hesitate to report harassment because they fear:
Retaliation such as termination, reduced hours, or loss of promotions
Embarrassment or shame about the misconduct
Concerns about confidentiality in workplaces where “everyone knows each other”
Doubts that HR will take action
Financial stress if speaking up risks losing a paycheck
A consultation with an Ontario sexual harassment attorney provides a safe, confidential way to explore your options without jeopardizing your job.
If you’re being harassed at work, here are practical steps you can take:
Document everything – keep a journal of incidents with dates, times, and details
Save evidence – preserve texts, emails, photos, or voicemails
Review company policies – check your employee handbook for complaint procedures
Report in writing – notify HR or management to create a record of your complaint
Seek legal advice early – an attorney can help protect your rights and prevent retaliation
If you succeed in proving harassment, you may be entitled to:
Lost wages and back pay
Compensation for emotional distress
Punitive damages against particularly reckless employers
Reinstatement or promotions if you were wrongfully denied opportunities
Policy changes that help protect others in your workplace
Hiring an attorney gives you the resources and confidence to move forward. Your lawyer can:
Investigate your claims and collect evidence
File complaints with the CRD or EEOC
Negotiate settlements with your employer
Represent you in court if necessary
Shield you from unlawful retaliation
Workers in Ontario and across the Inland Empire trust us because we offer:
Exclusive representation of employees – we do not represent employers
Decades of experience in harassment and discrimination law
Proven track record of results in both settlements and trials
Compassionate advocacy with strict confidentiality
Local focus – representing clients throughout Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Fontana, Pomona, and greater San Bernardino County
Do I have to quit my job to file a claim?
No. Many employees continue working while pursuing legal claims.
Can my employer fire me for reporting harassment?
No. Retaliation is illegal under both FEHA and Title VII.
What if my harasser is a customer or client?
Your employer may still be liable if they fail to protect you.
How long do I have to take action?
In California, you generally have up to three years to file a CRD complaint.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Most Ontario sexual harassment lawyers work on a contingency basis — you pay no fees unless you win.
Every worker — from those in Ontario’s warehouses and logistics centers to office professionals and restaurant employees — deserves respect and dignity. Our firm is dedicated to standing up for employees throughout the Inland Empire who have been subjected to sexual harassment.
If you are dealing with harassment at work, don’t wait. Strict filing deadlines apply.
Contact our Ontario sexual harassment attorneys today for a confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
