The law of the state of Washington defines sexual harassment as conduct that is unwelcome, and encompasses both physical and verbal advances. The types of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.

How does Washington Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers in Enumclaw are often required to establish company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of procedures to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.

There are also federal and Washington laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate an Enumclaw workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. 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 Washington attorney help?

A claim for sexual harassment may be difficult to investigate and prove without the proper expertise in the relevant areas of law. It's fairly common for federal officials who investigate these matters to be overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Enumclaw can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Washington has defined.