What is Sexual Harassment under Iowa Law?
Iowa law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Employers are most often involved in the following types of sexual harassment acts: demanding sexual favors in exchange for promotions, creating a sexually offensive work environment, and making sexual advances.
How does Iowa Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, Des Moines employers can be required to implement company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.
There are also agencies which are created by federal and Iowa law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Des Moines are true. Employers are also prohibited under these laws from taking action in retaliation against an employee who has claimed sexual harassment, such as firing them or denying them a promotion.
How can a Iowa 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. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Des Moines, as this might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Iowa.
