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 Hickory may be required to implement company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of procedures to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.

There are also federal and North Carolina laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Hickory workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. These laws also prohibit employers from firing workers or taking any retaliatory action against workers who have complained of sexual harassment.

How can a North Carolina 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 agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. So, hiring a Hickory lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of North Carolina.