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, Townsend 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. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, procedures for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

There are also federal and Massachusetts laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Townsend workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. 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. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Townsend can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Massachusetts has defined.