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, Iowa City 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. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, procedures for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be 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 Iowa City 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?
Investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. Federal investigators are often very overworked. Because of this, working with a Iowa City attorney might be the best way to make sure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.
