The laws of South Carolina 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 South Carolina Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers who are located in North Charleston can be required to establish 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 South Carolina laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a North Charleston workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a South Carolina attorney help?
Investigating and proving 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. Therefore, hiring an attorney in North Charleston can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that South Carolina has defined.