The laws of Pennsylvania define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. 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 Pennsylvania Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers who are located in Forest Hills can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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 Pennsylvania laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Forest Hills 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 Pennsylvania 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 Forest Hills lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Pennsylvania.