The laws of Virginia define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. Frequent 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 Leesburg 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.

Virginia and federal laws appointed agencies that process claims involving sexual harassment. They have the authority to investigate Leesburg workplaces regarding the conduct alleged in the complaints that have been filed with them. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a Virginia attorney help?

Investigating and showing a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Accordingly, hiring a lawyer in Leesburg might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Virginia for sexual harassment matters.