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 common forms of sexual harassment amongst employers.

How does Massachusetts Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

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

There are also federal and Massachusetts laws that have established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a West Newbury workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. 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?

It can be difficult to both investigate and prove 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, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. So, hiring a West Newbury lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Massachusetts.