The laws of Virginia define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. Prevalent 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 who are located in Galax can be required to create 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.

Additionally, federal and Virginia laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Galax to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. 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 Virginia attorney help?

If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and establish a claim involving sexual harassment. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Galax can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Virginia has defined.