{"id":2710,"date":"2025-08-12T17:54:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T17:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/?page_id=2710"},"modified":"2026-09-30T18:07:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T18:07:20","slug":"sexual-harassment-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/sexual-harassment-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Harassment"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:end;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:end;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;min-height:400px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26{background-image:url('http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rsw_900m-14.webp');background-size:cover;background-position:53% 26%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.79;background-color:var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(1 of *:not(style)){order:2;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(2 of *:not(style)){order:1;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(3 of *:not(style)){order:12;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(4 of *:not(style)){order:11;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(5 of *:not(style)){order:22;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(6 of *:not(style)){order:21;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(7 of *:not(style)){order:32;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-column:nth-child(8 of *:not(style)){order:31;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2710_34fc17-26 alignnone has-theme-palette3-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-equal kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-bottom\">\n<style>.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_6a9d79-c9 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6\"]{padding-bottom:20px;line-height:65px;font-style:normal;color:#ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6\"]{font-size:35px;line-height:52px;}}<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_9f71d0-b6\">Sexual Harassment<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b41e1ed36c9af9a192a48cdbf1bc960 wp-block-paragraph\">Michael Trust founded Michael Trust Law, APC after more than 35 years in HR leadership across entertainment, healthcare, higher education, finance, banking, solar energy, and other industries, including managing approximately 35,000 disability and leave-of-absence cases. He holds the SPHR, PHRca, and SHRM-SCP credentials. The PHRca is a California-specific HR credential focused on California employment law and HR practice. According to HRCI&#8217;s published pass-rate statistics at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrci.org\/pass-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hrci.org\/pass-rates<\/a>, the PHRca has the lowest pass rate of all HRCI credentials \u2014 47% as of December 31, 2025, compared with 71\u201384% for HRCI&#8217;s other certifications \u2014 and only 293 candidates worldwide tested for it in 2025. That HR-systems background helps identify HR process issues early, which can shape legal analysis on both sides.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_272747-24{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_272747-24 > 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.kadence-column2710_39747d-f9:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_39747d-f9 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:30px;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1242px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2710_76d62d-62 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_56d9f9-20 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem);column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_7f23c1-d1 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:45px;line-height:1.4em;font-weight:600;font-style:normal;text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc\"]{text-shadow:0px 0px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_7170dc-dc\">Employer Sexual Harassment Prevention<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2710_424236-1b{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2710_424236-1b{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2710_424236-1b{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2710_424236-1b{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2710_424236-1b{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2710_424236-1b{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2710_424236-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_424236-1b inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_874015-25\"]{font-size:17px;line-height:31px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_874015-25\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_874015-25\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_874015-25 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_874015-25\"><strong>Michael Trust Law, APC<\/strong> helps California employers implement compliant sexual harassment prevention policies, training programs, and defense strategies for FEHA harassment claims.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:100px;padding-left:100px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2710_05171b-79 alignnone has-theme-palette8-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_349e42-af{position:relative;}.kadence-column2710_349e42-af, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2710_349e42-af:not(.specificity){margin-top:-120px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_349e42-af, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2710_349e42-af:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_349e42-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_349e42-af inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image2710_8ce62f-68 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image2710_8ce62f-68\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"http:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Sexual Harassment\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2870\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/laughing-multiracial-teenage-boys-mocking-at-depressed-young-ethnic-female-standing-on-street-after-school-6147114-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_ce008e-2d kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2710_35f5af-f8 alignnone has-theme-palette2-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_293a35-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_293a35-6b kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"]{text-align:left;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"] a, .kt-adv-heading-link2710_4332b3-c9, .kt-adv-heading-link2710_4332b3-c9 .kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"] a:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link2710_4332b3-c9:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link2710_4332b3-c9:hover .kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"]{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\"] a, a.kb-advanced-heading-link.kt-adv-heading-link2710_4332b3-c9{text-decoration:none;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color hls-none\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_4332b3-c9\">A typical sexual harassment defense scenario begins when an employer receives a complaint of supervisor misconduct toward a subordinate. California&#8217;s strict liability rule under <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/state-dept-health-services-v-superior-court-32428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>State Dept. of Health Services v. Superior Court <\/em>(2003) 31 Cal.4th 1026<\/a> means the focus often shifts from whether liability attaches to how damages can be reduced through the avoidable consequences doctrine \u2014 which under <em>McGinnis <\/em>requires the employer to show that it took reasonable steps to prevent and correct harassment, the employee unreasonably failed to use those measures, and reasonable use would have prevented at least some of the harm. Prevention measures, complaint procedures, and investigation processes are the documentary record on which that defense is built.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d{max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal:not(.kb-section-md-dir-vertical)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-sm-dir-vertical:not(.kb-section-sm-dir-horizontal):not(.kb-section-sm-dir-specificity)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d{max-width:1140px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_7598dc-5d kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25{max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal:not(.kb-section-md-dir-vertical)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25{-webkit-flex:0 1 1140px;flex:0 1 1140px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-sm-dir-vertical:not(.kb-section-sm-dir-horizontal):not(.kb-section-sm-dir-specificity)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25{max-width:1140px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_2c232b-25 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",  \"@type\": \"LegalService\",  \"name\": \"Michael Trust Law, APC\",  \"description\": \"California employment law firm representing private-sector employees and employers throughout California in matters including wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave and disability, and termination.\", \"serviceType\": \"Employer Sexual Harassment Prevention\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/sexual-harassment-2\",  \"telephone\": \"+1-424-634-9333\",  \"email\": \"michaeltrust@michaeltrustlaw.com\",  \"priceRange\": \"$$\",  \"address\": {    \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",    \"streetAddress\": \"703 Pier Avenue, Suite B367\",    \"addressLocality\": \"Hermosa Beach\",    \"addressRegion\": \"CA\",    \"postalCode\": \"90254\",    \"addressCountry\": \"US\"  },  \"areaServed\": {    \"@type\": \"State\",    \"name\": \"California\"  },  \"founder\": {    \"@type\": \"Person\",    \"name\": \"Michael Trust, Esq.\",    \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\",    \"hasCredential\": [      \"SPHR (HR Certification Institute)\",      \"PHRca (HR Certification Institute, California-specific)\",      \"SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management)\"    ]  },  \"sameAs\": [    \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caemploymentlawyer\/\",    \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MichaelTrustLaw\",    \"https:\/\/apps.calbar.ca.gov\/attorney\/Licensee\/Detail\/356354\"  ]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\":[\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"Why does prevention infrastructure matter when California has strict liability for supervisor harassment?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Strict liability under State Dept. of Health Services v. Superior Court (2003) 31 Cal.4th 1026 attaches at the liability stage, but the avoidable consequences doctrine can reduce damages where the employer maintained reasonable preventive measures, the employee unreasonably failed to use them, and reasonable use would have prevented some of the harm. Prevention investment pays out financially even on cases where liability attaches.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"Are we required to provide sexual harassment prevention training every two years?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712950.1 (SB 1343) requires California employers with five or more employees to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees \u2014 two hours for supervisors and one hour for non-supervisors \u2014 every two years, with new hires trained within six months. Documentation of completion is the compliance posture.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"We received a complaint about a coworker's off-duty social media post directed at another employee. What now?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Take it seriously. Under Kruitbosch v. Bakersfield Recovery Services, Inc. (2025) 114 Cal.App.5th 200 (partially published), an employer's response to an off-duty harassment complaint can itself create FEHA liability and support a constructive discharge claim. The response \u2014 separate from the underlying conduct \u2014 is now in the legal frame. Dismissive or mocking responses are particularly risky.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"What documentation should we maintain on our complaint process?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\n        \"@type\":\"Answer\",\n        \"text\":\"Receipt of the complaint (date, intake notes), the investigation steps taken, witness interviews, evidence reviewed, the conclusion, the corrective action (if any), and the communication back to the complainant \u2014 all in writing, contemporaneously. The reasonableness of the process is later assessed on the documentary record, not on later reconstruction.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_5f6224-18\">California&#8217;s SB 1343 (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12950.1.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712950.1<\/a>) requires sexual harassment prevention training for employers with 5+ employees, and FEHA imposes strict liability on employers for supervisor harassment under <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/state-dept-health-services-v-superior-court-32428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>State Dept. of Health Services v. Superior Court (McGinnis<\/em>)<\/a> \u2014 with no <em>Faragher\/Ellerth<\/em> defense to liability available, though the avoidable consequences doctrine can reduce damages where the employer took reasonable preventive and corrective measures and the employee unreasonably failed to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This HR background often proves relevant to harassment prevention and defense, where the quality of the policy, training, complaint procedure, and investigation process directly affects damages even where liability under <em>McGinnis<\/em> attaches.<br><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_db6c07-14\">California Sexual Harassment Prevention and Defense \u2014 Employer Counsel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California applies a highly prescriptive sexual harassment prevention regime. Under SB 1343, codified at <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12950.1.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712950.1<\/a>, employers with 5 or more employees must provide one hour of training to non-supervisory employees and two hours to supervisors every two years, with specific content requirements set by the Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH).<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_b1e270-81\">What Effective Prevention Looks Like<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compliance with the training mandate is a baseline, not a defense to all claims. Effective harassment prevention requires a documented policy with multiple reporting channels, prompt and impartial investigation procedures, manager training that goes beyond the SB 1343 minimum, consistent discipline following substantiated findings, and protection against retaliation for complainants and witnesses. Where harassment is alleged, the employer&#8217;s pre-complaint posture often determines whether the case is defensible. Whether a particular case is defensible depends on the documentary record and investigation discipline.<span id=\"strict-liability\"> Under federal Title VII (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1998) 524 U.S. 742<\/a>;<em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Faragher v. City of Boca Raton <\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1998) 524 U.S. 775)<\/a>.<\/span> <span id=\"avoidable-consequences\">California does, however, recognize the avoidable consequences doctrine, which can reduce damages where the employer maintained reasonable preventive measures and the employee failed to use them.<\/span> This is the doctrinal reason why investment in complaint procedures, training, and prompt investigation pays out financially even on cases where liability attaches. The scope of employer exposure has also expanded beyond on-premises conduct: under <a href=\"https:\/\/courts.ca.gov\/opinion\/published-extended-post\/2025-09-09\/f087809\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/courts.ca.gov\/opinion\/published-extended-post\/2025-09-09\/f087809\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Kruitbosch v. Bakersfield Recovery Services, Inc. <\/em>(2025) 114 Cal.App.5th 200<\/a> (partially published), an employer\u2019s response to a complaint about off-duty conduct by a coworker can itself create FEHA hostile work environment liability, even where the underlying conduct occurred outside work, although the court held that the employee there had not alleged a constructive discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24\"]{font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_09b8e4-24\">When to Contact Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prevention audits, policy review, and investigation counsel are most useful before a complaint is filed. Contact Michael Trust Law, APC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial contact does not create an attorney-client relationship \u2014 see <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/disclaimers\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3208\">Disclaimers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12940.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712940<\/a>(j) (FEHA harassment and supervisor strict liability); <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12950.1.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712950.1<\/a> (SB 1343 training requirements);<em><em> <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/state-dept-health-services-v-superior-court-32428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State Dept. of Health Services v. Superior Court <\/a><\/em><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/state-dept-health-services-v-superior-court-32428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(2003) 31 Cal.4th 1026<\/a>;<em><em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth <\/a><\/em><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1998) 524 U.S. 742<\/a>;<em><em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Faragher v. City of Boca Raton <\/a><\/em><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/app\/details\/USREPORTS-524-US-775\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(1998) 524 U.S. 775<\/a>;<em><em> <\/em><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/courts.ca.gov\/opinion\/published-extended-post\/2025-09-09\/f087809\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/courts.ca.gov\/opinion\/published-extended-post\/2025-09-09\/f087809\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kruitbosch v. Bakersfield Recovery Services, Inc. (2025) 114 Cal.App.5th 200<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0\"]{font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_87d57f-b0\">Explore Related Employer Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/discrimination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discrimination Defense<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/retaliation-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Retaliation Defense<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/wage-hour-pay-equity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wage &amp; Hour Compliance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/employment-contracts-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Contracts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/g96.dce.mytemp.website\/whistleblower-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Whistleblower Defense<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/topics\/\">\r\n            Browse all California employment law topics\r\n            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\r\n        <\/a>\r\n    <\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_5eb1df-68 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c\"]{text-align:center;font-size:30px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_e8f4bf-1c\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:0px;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);color:#555555;padding-top:9px;padding-right:13px;padding-bottom:9px;padding-left:13px;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#444444;background:#eeeeee;border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#eeeeee;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#ffffff;background:#444444;border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:0px;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id2710_86ae9c-8b kt-accordion-has-5-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basic kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane2710_bcb58f-91\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong><strong>Why does prevention infrastructure matter when California has strict liability for supervisor harassment?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_cf708d-0e\">Strict liability under <a href=\"https:\/\/scocal.stanford.edu\/opinion\/state-dept-health-services-v-superior-court-32428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>State Dept. of Health Services v. Superior Court <\/em>(2003) 31 Cal.4th 1026<\/a> attaches at the liability stage, but the avoidable consequences doctrine can reduce damages where the employer maintained reasonable preventive measures, the employee unreasonably failed to use them, and reasonable use would have prevented some of the harm. Prevention investment pays out financially even on cases where liability attaches.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane2710_ea768b-8e\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Are we required to provide sexual harassment&nbsp;prevention training every two years?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_20c988-33\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_20c988-33\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_20c988-33\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2710_20c988-33 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2710_20c988-33\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12950.1.&amp;lawCode=GOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cal. Gov. Code \u00a712950.1<\/a> (SB 1343) requires California employers with five or more employees to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees \u2014 two hours for supervisors and one hour for non-supervisors \u2014 every two years, with new hires trained within six months. Documentation of completion is the compliance posture.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-4 kt-pane2710_f792fb-4f\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">We received a complaint about a coworker&#8217;s off-duty social media post directed at another employee. What now?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take it seriously. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/courts.ca.gov\/opinion\/published-extended-post\/2025-09-09\/f087809\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/courts.ca.gov\/opinion\/published-extended-post\/2025-09-09\/f087809\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Kruitbosch v. Bakersfield Recovery Services, Inc. <\/em>(2025) 114 Cal.App.5th 200<\/a> (partially published), an employer\u2019s response to an off-duty harassment complaint can itself create FEHA hostile work environment liability, although the court held that the employee there had not alleged a constructive discharge. The response \u2014 separate from the underlying conduct \u2014 is now in the legal frame. Dismissive or mocking responses are particularly risky.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-5 kt-pane2710_cbd6d7-d1\"><h3 class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">What documentation should we maintain on our complaint process?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Receipt of the complaint (date, intake notes), the investigation steps taken, witness interviews, evidence reviewed, the conclusion, the corrective action (if any), and the communication back to the complainant \u2014 all in writing, contemporaneously. The reasonableness of the process is later assessed on the documentary record, not on later reconstruction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2710_6f6b43-57\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"legal-guidance-heading\" style=\"background-color:#1f344a; padding:60px 20px; text-align:center;\">\n  <h3 id=\"legal-guidance-heading\" style=\"font-size:2.2rem; line-height:1.3; margin-bottom:20px; color:#ffffff;\">\n    Protect Your Business with Harassment Prevention\n  <\/h3>\n <p style=\"color:#ffffff; font-size:1rem; line-height:1.6; max-width:800px; margin:0 auto 30px;\">\n    Michael Trust Law, APC helps California employers implement compliant sexual harassment prevention policies, training programs, and defense strategies for FEHA harassment claims.\n  <\/p>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Contact Michael Trust Law, APC to get expert legal guidance\" style=\"display:inline-block; background-color:#0B3A6A; color:#ffffff; padding:14px 28px; font-size:1rem; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none; border-radius:6px;\">\n    Contact Michael Trust Law, APC Today\n  <\/a>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sexual Harassment Michael Trust founded Michael Trust Law, APC after more than 35 years in HR leadership across entertainment, healthcare, higher education, finance, banking, solar energy, and other industries, including&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"fullwidth","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"unboxed","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"hide","_kad_post_feature":"hide","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2710","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2710"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2710\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7742,"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2710\/revisions\/7742"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaeltrustlaw.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}