What is Sexual Harassment under Arkansas Law?
Arkansas law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Some types of sexual harassment that are most commonly committed by an employer include exchanging favoritism for sexual favors, the creation of a hostile work environment of a sexual nature, and sexual advances.
How does Arkansas Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First of all, employers in the city of Fort Smith may be required to establish company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of procedures to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.
There are also federal and Arkansas laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Fort Smith workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Arkansas attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Fort Smith can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Arkansas has defined.
