District of Columbia law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Sexual advances, creating a hostile work environment that is blatantly sexual in nature, and sexual advances are some of the more prevalent forms of sexual harassment amongst employers.

How does District of Columbia Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First of all, employers in the city of Washington may be required to formulate 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 policies to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.

Furthermore, federal and District of Columbia laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Washington to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Additionally, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.

How can a District of Columbia attorney help?

If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and establish a claim involving sexual harassment. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Washington, as this may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of District of Columbia.