Do I have to report harassment to my employer first?

You do not have to, but reporting internally can strengthen your legal case and may be required by employer policy. Filing with a government agency preserves your legal rights.

Can men be victims of sexual harassment?

Yes. Sexual harassment laws protect all employees regardless of gender. Same-sex harassment is also actionable.

What damages are available?

You may recover compensatory damages, back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, attorney fees, and in some cases punitive damages.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Sexual Harassment in the Virginia Workplace — Your Rights

Q: How long do I have to file?

You have Two years to file a complaint with the Virginia Office of Civil Rights, measured from the day the alleged discriminatory practice occurred; separate federal deadlines apply to charges filed with the EEOC to file with the state agency [§ 2.2-3907].

What constitutes sexual harassment, employer obligations, and how to file a complaint in Virginia.

Covered under the Virginia Human Rights Act as a form of sex discrimination; the Virginia Values Act (2020) expanded protections to employers with 5+ employees and created a private right of action with uncapped compensatory damages §2.2-3901.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?

Quid pro quo — conditioning employment benefits on submission to sexual advances

Hostile work environment — unwelcome conduct based on sex that is severe or pervasive enough to alter working conditions

Employer Obligations

Maintain a workplace free from sexual harassment

Promptly investigate complaints of harassment

Take corrective action to stop harassment and prevent recurrence

Not retaliate against employees who report harassment

Filing a Harassment Complaint

	Details
State Agency	Virginia Office of Civil Rights (within the Office of the Attorney General)
State Deadline	Two years to file a complaint with the Virginia Office of Civil Rights, measured from the day the alleged discriminatory practice occurred; separate federal deadlines apply to charges filed with the EEOC §2.2-3907
Federal Agency	EEOC
Federal Deadline	180 or 300 days depending on deferral [42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5]

⚠Document every incident: dates, times, locations, witnesses, and what was said or done.

✓You do not have to use the internal complaint process before filing with a state or federal agency, but doing so can strengthen your case.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (Employment Law)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Employment records

(pay stubs, contracts, offer letters)

Communication evidence

(emails, texts, performance reviews)

Witness information

(coworkers who can corroborate)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and employment situation.

No Obligation

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