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 Richmond can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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 true).
There are also federal and Virginia laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Richmond workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. These laws also prohibit employers from firing workers or taking any retaliatory action against workers who have complained of sexual harassment.
How can a Virginia attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. Federal investigators are often very overworked. So, hiring a Richmond lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Virginia.
