Number of EEOC sex-harassment suits jumps more than 50%

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission increased the number of sexual harassment-related lawsuits it filed in fiscal year 2018 by more than 50%, the agency said in a report issued Thursday.

The EEOC said according to preliminary data, during fiscal year 2018, which ended Sept. 30, the agency filed 66 harassment lawsuits, including 41 that included allegations of sexual harassment.

It also reported that charges filed with the EEOC alleging sexual harassment increased by more than 12% from fiscal year 2017.  More precise numbers are not yet available, according to a spokeswoman.

The agency also reported that it recovered nearly $70 million for the victims of sexual harassment through administrative enforcement and litigation in fiscal year 2018, up from $47.5 million in fiscal year 2017.

“Combatting all forms of workplace harassment remains a top priority of the EEOC,” says the report. “The agency also focused on promoting best practices to stop harassing conduct before it becomes legally actionable, to create an effective anti-harassment system that encourages people to come forward, and to hold leaders and supervisors accountable.”