With more and more women making up the work force, there are just as many female employees who suffer gender discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse at the hands of employers, managers, or even colleagues. Some women suffer in silence, but for some, like the female employees of ABM Industries Inc, it’s time to stand up for their rights.

Following a lawsuit filed the by US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in behalf of 21 female workers for sexual assault and harassment, the national janitorial services company has decided to settle the suit.

The suit, which was filed in 2007 against ABM Industries Inc. and two subsidiaries, alleged that male supervisors sexually harassed the female employees for years. According to the EEOC, the supervisors exposed themselves to the female workers and engaged in unwelcome sexual conduct such as touching and groping them the women.

It was further disclosed by the EEOC that one of the errant supervisors was a registered sex offender and that at least one female employee has been raped at work.

Although ABM does not admit any fault in the allegations, it settled the case for $5.8 million to the 21 female workers.

Aside from the settlement, the company has been ordered to designate an equal employment monitor and set up a toll-free hotline for complaints.

Sexual harassment is one of the most common violations of employment rights. In fact, in 2009, the EEOC received as many as 12,696 filed by both female and male employees.

But sexual harassment or cases of it is not exactly cut and dried – what is prohibited by law is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Simple teasing or offhand comments which are isolated incidents cannot be considered as sexual harassment. What is important is that the harassment based on one’s gender is so frequent and severe that it creates a hostile work environment. Any adverse employment decision such as getting fired or deprivation of benefits can also be a result of sexual harassment.

Victims of sexual harassment or gender discrimination, unless otherwise extended by their state laws, have 180 days to file a complaint. Time is of the essence so unless you want to tolerate or condone such abuse, filing a sexual harassment lawsuit or report with the EEOC should be done as soon as possible.