The laws of Virginia define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. Common examples of sexual harassment done by employers include making sexual advances, creating an overtly sexual and offensive work environment, and making demands for sexual favors as a condition to promotion.

How does Virginia Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers in Covington are often required to establish company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. Matters covered by such policies should include contact information used by employees to report incidents, handling procedures for claims, and corrective measures (in the event that a claim turns out to be true).

Virginia and federal laws appointed agencies that process claims involving sexual harassment. They have the authority to investigate Covington workplaces regarding the conduct alleged in the complaints that have been filed with them. Also, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

How can a Virginia 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 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 Covington can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Virginia has defined.