Domestic Violence Boss|Faces Harassment Claim

SANTA BARBARA (CN) - The head of a domestic violence agency sexually harassed its clinical director with comments about her "cute little butt" and other obnoxious behavior, she claims in court.

Lisa Grassle sued Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County and its executive director Charles Anderson on July 9 in Superior Court.

Domestic Violence Solutions is a nonprofit that provides shelter and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.

Grassle, 55, a licensed marriage and family therapist with 30 years of experience, was DVS's clinical director from 2004 to 2007 and was hired again for the post in December 2102.

Anderson was appointed executive director in May 2014 and "within days" began making "unwanted sexual advances," Grassle says in the lawsuit.

She claims Anderson, among other things:

"referred to Ms. Anderson's 'cute little butt;'"

"repeatedly leaned close to plaintiff in the workplace, sniffing her and saying, 'mmmmm;'"

Told her "Any [pay] increase for you will begin with drinks with me;"

"unilaterally hired an unlicensed applicant, who was an attractive young woman, as an intern ... [and] asked the woman on a date the same night as her interview."

Grassle said she had to fire the intern for improper use of Grassle's license.

She claims Anderson also "repeatedly falsified statistics to enhance DVS's performance and also directed other DVS employees to commit falsifications of data" and "to le about statistics and on grant applications."

When she complained of the sexual behavior, Grassle says, Anderson accelerated his harassment to try force her out. She says she was constructively fired when she had to take a medical leave for stress, anxiety and depression.

Domestic Violence Solutions' attorney declined to comment.

Anderson told Courthouse News: "All of our time and effort is spent helping women who are the victims of domestic violence."

Grassle seeks punitive damages for lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful or constructive termination.

She is represented by J. Patrick O'Hara with O'Hara & Duris.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit