Sexual harassment is defined under North Carolina law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. The types of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.
How does North Carolina Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First of all, employers in the city of Asheville may be required to establish company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. 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 agencies which are created by federal and North Carolina 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 Asheville are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.
How can a North Carolina attorney help?
Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. So, hiring an Asheville lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of North Carolina.