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 Jacksonville 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. 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 created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Jacksonville workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a North Carolina attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Accordingly, hiring a lawyer in Jacksonville might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by North Carolina for sexual harassment matters.