The laws of Pennsylvania define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including actions of either a verbal or physical nature. The forms of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.

How does Pennsylvania Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Northampton County employers can be required to create company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. Matters covered by such policies should include contact information used by employees to report incidents, handling procedures for claims, and corrective measures (in the event that a claim turns out to be successful).

Furthermore, federal and Pennsylvania laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Northampton County to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Furthermore, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

How can a Pennsylvania attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Thus, hiring an attorney in Northampton County can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Pennsylvania has defined.