What is Sexual Harassment under South Dakota Law?
The laws of South Dakota define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. 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 South Dakota Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers who are located in Aberdeen can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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.
The laws of the state of South Dakota and federal law have both appointed agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Aberdeen work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. These laws also prohibit employers from firing workers or taking any retaliatory action against workers who have complained of sexual harassment.
How can a South Dakota attorney help?
Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harrassment are, unfortunatly, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Accordingly, hiring a lawyer in Aberdeen might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by South Dakota for sexual harassment matters.
