The laws of South Carolina define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including actions of either a verbal or physical nature. Some forms 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 Richland County can be required to formulate 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 policies 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 established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Richland County workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to dismiss an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a South Carolina attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and establish 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 frequently understaffed and overworked. Thus, hiring an attorney in Richland County can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that South Carolina has defined.