On January 24, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its statistics showing the number of sexual harassment claims and settlements in 2019. Full details can be viewed here.

In summary, the overall number of sexual harassment charges dropped slightly from 2018 to 2019 (13,055 to 12,739):
 
Charges Alleging Sex-Based Harassment (Charges filed with EEOC)
 
 
FY
2010
FY
2011
FY
2012
FY
2013
FY
2014
FY
2015
FY
2016
FY
2017
FY
2018
FY
2019
Receipts
12,695
12,461
12,569
12,379
12,146
12,573
12,860
12,428
13,055
12,739
 
However, the settlements secured by the EEOC (in millions) have increased dramatically from $56.6 million in 2018 to $68.2 million in 2019. These settlement statistics do not include the settlements secured during EEOC-initiated litigation against employers.
 
 
FY 2010
FY 2011
FY 2012
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
Monetary Benefits (Millions)*
$41.2
$45.1
$43.0
$44.6
$35.0
$46.0
$40.7
$46.3
$56.6
$68.2
 
What does this mean for employers?
 
 
The EEOC continues to ride the #metoo wave by aggressively pursuing sexual harassment charges of discrimination as a top initiative and big money-maker. Employers
must implement robust, annual sexual harassment prevention training and policies. In many states and localities, such training and policies are legally required; violations can result in stiff penalties.
 
Got questions about how to implement Anti-Harassment policy updates and across-the-board anti-harassment training? Don't worry, we're here to help! 

 

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