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, Mount Vernon 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. Company polices might include such matters as contact information to be used in reporting sexual harassment, filing policies, and remedial measures in the event that a claim is proven to be true.

Furthermore, federal and Iowa laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Mount Vernon to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive 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?

It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too overworked to handle individual claims. Thus, hiring an attorney in Mount Vernon can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Iowa has defined.