What is Sexual Harassment under Virginia Law?
The laws of Virginia define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. Common examples of sexual harassment done by employers include making sexual advances, creating an overtly sexual and offensive work environment, and making demands for sexual favors as a condition to promotion.
How does Virginia Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers who are located in Portsmouth can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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.
Virginia and federal laws created agencies that process claims involving sexual harassment. They have the authority to investigate Portsmouth workplaces regarding the conduct alleged in the complaints that have been filed with them. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Virginia attorney help?
Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. So, hiring a Portsmouth lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Virginia.
