Iowa law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Employers are most commonly 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, Maquoketa 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. Company polices might include such matters as contact information to be used in reporting sexual harassment, filing procedures, and remedial measures in the event that a claim is proven to be true.

There are also federal and Iowa laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Maquoketa workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire 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 showing a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Maquoketa can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Iowa has defined.