Iowa law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Employers are most often 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, Linn County 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.

The laws of the state of Iowa and federal law have both established agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Linn County work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. 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?

It can be difficult to both investigate and prove a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Linn County, as this may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Iowa.