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

First, New Castle 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. Company polices might include such matters as contact information to be used in reporting sexual harassment, filing policies, and remedial measures in the event that a claim is proven to be true.

The laws of the state of Pennsylvania and federal law have both established agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given New Castle work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. 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 Pennsylvania attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too overworked to handle individual claims. Because of this, working with a New Castle attorney may be the ideal way to make sure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.