Iowa law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Employers are most often involved in the following types of sexual harassment acts: demanding sexual favors in exchange for promotions, creating a sexually offensive work environment, and making sexual advances.

How does Iowa Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Burlington employers can be required to establish company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

Additionally, federal and Iowa laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Burlington 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 Iowa 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. Accordingly, hiring a lawyer in Burlington might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Iowa for sexual harassment matters.