In Sexual harassment - hostile work: Valentin-Almeyda v. Municipality of Aguadilla, the first Circuit upheld a jury verdict for more than $1 million in favor of a Puerto Rican police officer who claimed that a sergeant sexually harassed her while her employer took no remedial action. The panel found that the amount was neither excessive nor conscience-shocking, as the plaintiff proved severe economic and emotional injury, including the loss of her house and car, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
After reviewing the case above and the Faragher vs. City of Boca Raton and Employer's Affirmative Defense in Sexual Harassment Cases as well as the attached resources, discuss what employers can do to protect themselves from sexual harassment lawsuits. Specifically, suggest how companies can reduce their exposure to sexual harassment lawsuits.