Sexual harassment is defined by North Carolina law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. The forms 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, Oxford 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 North Carolina laws that have established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate an Oxford workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Furthermore, 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 show a claim involving sexual harassment. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too overworked to handle individual claims. Thus, hiring an attorney in Oxford can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that North Carolina has defined.