The laws of Virginia define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including actions 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 Martinsville can be required to formulate and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, process for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

There are also federal and Virginia laws that have established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Martinsville 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 Virginia attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too overworked to handle individual claims. Thus, hiring an attorney in Martinsville can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Virginia has defined.