The laws of Rhode Island define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. Some types of sexual harassment that are most commonly committed by an employer include exchanging favoritism for sexual favors, the creation of a hostile work environment of a sexual nature, and sexual advances.

How does Rhode Island Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers who are located in North Kingstown can be required to establish and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

The laws of the state of Rhode Island and federal law have both created agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given North Kingstown work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. Employers are also prohibited 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 Rhode Island attorney help?

Investigating and showing a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in North Kingstown, as this might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Rhode Island.