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, Raleigh employers can be required to create 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 formed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Raleigh workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Employers are also barred 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 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 overworked to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring a lawyer in Raleigh may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by North Carolina for sexual harassment matters.