An office is certainly not the only setting in which sexual harassment can occur. Restaurant employees also see their fair share of harassment, unfortunately. One such employee, represented by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, recently filed a lawsuit against a steakhouse alleging it allowed sexual harassment and created a hostile work environment.

The EEOC filed the lawsuit in August against Gaucho's Brazilian Steakhouse, contending a female employee had to resign after she was subjected to physical and verbal sexual harassment. It's not clear who allegedly harassed her.

The restaurant, which is located in Valparaiso, Indiana, is denying the allegations. It's claiming she did not take measures to prevent the harassment and contributed to the creation of the hostile work environment by participating in sex-related behavior, according to Nwitimes.com. It also maintains it resolved the woman's situation after she complained about it.

The EEOC, however, clearly disagrees. On behalf of the employee, it is seeking damages and compensation, although how much was not reported. It is also seeking an injunction to stop the restaurant from allowing sexual harassment amongst employees.

In tough economic times, it's hard enough for some to make a living. They often have to take more than one job. Anyone trying to make ends meet should not have to worry about being harassed or enduring a hostile environment while at work.

Offending companies and employees shouldn't get away with it. The help of an experienced attorney may help in achieving that goal.

Source: Nwitimes.com, "Steakhouse denies wrongdoing in sexual harassment lawsuit," Sept. 30, 2011