What is Sexual Harassment under West Virginia Law?
The law of the state of West Virginia 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 West Virginia Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First of all, employers in the city of Beckley may be required to establish company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. 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.
Additionally, federal and West Virginia laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Beckley to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a West 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. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Beckley can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that West Virginia has defined.
