According to Massachusetts law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct which is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical acts Sexual advances, creating a hostile work environment that is blatantly sexual in nature, and sexual advances are some of the more prevalent types of sexual harassment amongst employers.

How does Massachusetts Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Maynard 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. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

Additionally, federal and Massachusetts laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Maynard to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Additionally, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.

How can a Massachusetts attorney help?

If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and establish a claim involving sexual harassment. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Maynard can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Massachusetts has defined.