Workplace Defence
Workplace Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault Lawyers Toronto
Facing Allegations of Sexual Misconduct or Assault at Work? Contact a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Toronto Today
Greenwood Law provides experienced legal representation for individuals and organizations confronting allegations of sexual harassment or assault in the workplace. Our Toronto workplace defence lawyers combine employment and human rights law expertise with procedural strategy to protect reputations and ensure fair outcomes.
Meet Our Employment & Workplace Defence Lawyers in Toronto
Greenwood Law – Employment Lawyers in Toronto includes workplace defence lawyers with specialized experience in workplace misconduct cases, including sexual harassment and assault. We guide clients through investigation protocols, internal review processes, disciplinary decisions, and tribunal proceedings, all with a focus on fairness, legal compliance, and factual clarity.
What Constitutes Workplace Sexual Harassment or Assault?
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), workplace sexual harassment is defined as a course of vexatious conduct or comments related to sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity known (or reasonably known) to be unwelcome. This includes physical advances, unwelcome comments, or abuse of power for sexual purposes, all equally serious whether delivered verbally, via electronic media, or through repeated behaviour.
Sexual assault, in a workplace context, involves non-consensual physical contact or coercive behavior, which may lead to both criminal charges and employment consequences.
Why Legal Representation Is Crucial in Harassment or Assault Allegations
Whether you’re an accused individual or managing a workplace incident, early legal involvement helps safeguard procedural fairness, evidence integrity, and legal privilege. Missteps may result in wrongful dismissal claims, regulatory scrutiny, or Tribunal exposure. Proper counsel ensures compliance with both OHSA and human rights obligations.
Statutory Obligations & Best Practices
- Employers must maintain a written workplace violence and harassment policy and program, provide regular employee training, and continuously review the policy at least annually.
- OHSA mandates a duty to investigate harassment incidents promptly, whether or not a formal complaint was filed, especially after the 2024 Metrolinx decision affirming duty triggered by knowledge alone.
- The Ontario Human Rights Code extends liability to employers where workplace harassment reflects discrimination on protected grounds (including gender, sexual orientation, or record of offences).
How Greenwood Law Guides You Through the Process
Strategic Investigation Planning
We advise on neutral, documented investigations aligned with OHSA and human rights standards, helping preserve confidentiality and procedural fairness.
Legal Advice on Interim Measures
We help determine suspension, reassignment, or precautionary steps to balance safety and rights while investigations proceed.
Representation at Tribunals or Courts
If claims escalate to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), labour boards, or criminal courts, we represent clients with strategic pleadings, disclosure, and courtroom presence.
Prevention Policy & Training Enhancement
We review or design workplace sexual harassment & sexual assault policies and training modules to reinforce compliance and reduce future risk.
Hear From Our Clients
Helping Clients Get Back to Work
Our employment lawyers in Toronto are ready to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
Hear From Our Clients
Helping Clients Get Back to Work
Our employment lawyers in Toronto are ready to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Greenwood Law - Toronto Sexual Harassment & Assault Lawyers
Integrated Defence for Individuals and Organizations
Our workplace defence experience merges with employment and human rights law insight, ideal for scenarios involving alleged misconduct or formal investigations.
Procedural Accuracy and Strategic Handling
We help structure investigations and responses that support legal defensibility and mitigate exposure across employment, regulatory, and legal dimensions.
Reputation and Risk Protection
We orient our strategy toward upholding credibility and limiting legal and reputational harm throughout the process.
Support Across Channels
Whether defending at HRTO, labour boards, criminal courts, or internal disciplinary settings, we coordinate consistent legal strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Workplace Sexual Harassment Defence
Does every sexual harassment incident require a full formal investigation?
No. Ontario law requires a response proportionate to the nature and risk of the incident, ranging from informal fact gathering to a formal inquiry. Documentation and fairness are essential in all cases.
Can employers be held responsible for off-duty misconduct?
Yes. Harassment or assault occurring off-site (e.g., work events, online) may still trigger liability if it affects workplace safety or culture.
Can individuals defend against false HRTO claims?
Yes. Defendants can present evidence-based responses, challenge procedural flaws, and pursue dismissal of meritless claims.
What legal risk arises from ignoring complaints?
Failure to investigate or enforce policy can result in HRTO orders, Ministry penalties, and potential human rights litigation.
Are confidentiality agreements or releases enforceable?
NDAs may restrict disclosure, but they cannot prevent filing complaints with regulators or human rights bodies.
Is legal representation needed before internal interviews?
Yes. Early counsel ensures procedural fairness, preserves privilege, avoids harmful statements, and supports evidence integrity throughout the process.
Speak with a Workplace Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault Defence Lawyer in Toronto
If you or your organization face allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace, Greenwood Law provides expert workplace defence, investigation planning, or tribunal support.
Areas We Serve
At Greenwood Law, we proudly serve clients across Ontario & throughout Canada, including:
