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, Newbury 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 Newbury to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Employers are also prohibited 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 Massachusetts attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and establish a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Thus, hiring a Newbury lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Massachusetts.