According to Missouri law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct which is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical acts Prevalent examples of sexual harassment done by employers include making sexual advances, creating an overtly sexual and offensive work environment, and making demands for sexual favors as a condition to promotion.

How does Missouri Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers who are located in Columbia can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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 Missouri laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Columbia workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. 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 Missouri 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. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Because of this, working with a Columbia attorney might be the best way to make sure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.