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 common types of sexual harassment amongst employers.

How does Massachusetts Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Paxton employers can be required to implement 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.

There are also agencies which are created by federal and Massachusetts law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Paxton 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?

Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Because of this, working with a Paxton attorney might be the best way to make sure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.