Iowa law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Employers are most commonly involved in the following forms 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, De Witt employers can be required to formulate 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 process for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

There are also agencies which are established by federal and Iowa law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in De Witt are true. Employers are also barred 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 Iowa attorney help?

Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and showing a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too overworked to handle individual claims. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in De Witt, as this may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Iowa.