What are the remedies for sexual harassment in the workplace?
In Massachusetts, employees have legal protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. Employees who encounter sexual harassment can pursue a variety of remedies, such as filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). The MCAD is responsible for investigating complaints of sexual harassment and, if the complaint is found to be valid, they may order the employer to take corrective action and may even award damages to the employee. Additionally, the victim of sexual harassment may choose to pursue legal action against their employer in civil court and seek monetary damages, which may include compensation for emotional distress. An employee may also be able to recover lost wages, as well as other costs incurred as a result of the harassment. In some cases, criminal charges may be brought against the harasser. In addition to the legal remedies available to victims of sexual harassment, employees may also seek help from their employer. Employers are legally obligated to maintain a workplace that is free from sexual harassment and take reasonable steps to address complaints. These steps may include providing training on anti-discrimination laws, updating their policies and procedures to reflect current legal requirements, and conducting an impartial investigation into the complaint. Ultimately, employees who are subjected to sexual harassment have a variety of remedies available to them. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights and options so that they can take action to protect themselves in the workplace.
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