What is Sexual Harassment under Vermont Law?
The law of the state of Vermont defines sexual harassment as conduct that is unwelcome, and encompasses both physical and verbal advances. The types 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 Vermont Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers in Brattleboro are often required to implement company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. Company polices might include such matters as contact information to be used in reporting sexual harassment, filing procedures, and remedial measures in the event that a claim is proven to be true.
There are also federal and Vermont laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Brattleboro workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Employers are also prohibited under these laws from taking action in retaliation against an employee who has claimed sexual harassment, such as firing them or denying them a promotion.
How can a Vermont 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. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Brattleboro can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Vermont has defined.
