According to Massachusetts law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct that is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical actions Sexual advances, creating a hostile work environment that is blatantly sexual in nature, and sexual advances are some of the more frequent forms of sexual harassment amongst employers.
How does Massachusetts Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, Newton 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. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the process for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.
Furthermore, federal and Massachusetts laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Newton to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. 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 Massachusetts attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and show a claim involving sexual harassment. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. Therefore, hiring a Newton lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Massachusetts.