Iowa law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Employers are most frequently 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, Hiawatha employers can be required to create company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, process for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

There are also agencies which are formed 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 Hiawatha are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to dismiss an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a Iowa attorney help?

Investigating and establishing a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Hiawatha, as this may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Iowa.