The laws of South Dakota define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including actions of either a verbal or physical nature. Some forms 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 formulate 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 policies 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 formed 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 employees 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 harassment are, unfortunately, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Therefore, hiring a lawyer in Aberdeen may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by South Dakota for sexual harassment matters.