I Was Sexually Harassed at Work in Des Moines – What Are My Legal Options?

Workplace sexual harassment leaves employees feeling shocked, angry, and unsure about next steps. Whether the harassment happened in an office in Des Moines, a retail job, or any other workplace, Iowa law is clear: every worker deserves a safe, respectful environment. Understanding your rights and the steps to take can make a major difference in your ability to protect yourself and hold wrongdoers accountable.

What Is Sexual Harassment Under Des Moines and Iowa Law?

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature—comments, jokes, advances, requests, images, inappropriate touching, or intimidation—directed toward you because of your sex or gender.

The law recognizes two common kinds of sexual harassment:

• Hostile Work Environment – This includes ongoing offensive, sexual, or sexist behavior that creates an intimidating, unbearable, or abusive environment.
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment – This type of harassment happens when work benefits (like promotions, raises, job security) are made conditional on accepting sexual advances or tolerating sexual comments.

Iowa and federal law protect you if you’ve been subjected to either. Employers, including supervisors, coworkers, and sometimes even clients, are prohibited from engaging in, ignoring, or condoning sexual harassment.

Immediate Steps After Experiencing Sexual Harassment

Knowing what to do right afterward helps safeguard your rights and strengthen your case.

Ensure that you:

1. Document Everything – Write down dates, times, locations, and exactly what happened—including witnesses. Save texts, emails, notes, or messages linked to the harassment.
2. Report Internally – Inform your supervisor, HR department, or your employer’s designated contact. File a written complaint if possible, and keep a copy for your records.
3. Seek Support – Trusted friends, counselors, or your physician can provide valuable emotional and practical help during this time.

Reporting is not required before pursuing legal options, but doing so builds a trail showing the employer was notified and had a chance to address the situation.

Your Legal Options with a Des Moines Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If workplace harassment continues or isn’t resolved internally, you may have various options for legal recourse.

Filing a Complaint with Government Agencies

If you experience sexual harassment at work in Des Moines, you can file a complaint with a government agency. Either the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can investigate your claim, attempt mediation between you and your employer, and, if necessary, pursue legal action to enforce your rights and address workplace discrimination.

When filing a complaint of sexual harassment, there is a very small window to file. Any complaint needs to be filed within 300 days of the last incident of harassment.

Pursuing Compensation and Workplace Change

Working with an employment attorney in Des Moines opens additional avenues to seek justice:

• Negotiation – Many employers choose to settle cases with financial compensation, policy changes, or reinstatement.
• Lawsuit – If needed, your lawyer can pursue your case in civil court, seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and potentially punitive damages against the employer for recklessness or repeated violations.
• Restorative Actions – Courts may order workplace changes, reinstatement, transfers, or new training to improve overall work environments.

A Des Moines sexual harassment lawyer can clarify your rights, manage filings and negotiations, and advocate for you every step of the way.

How a Lawyer Can Help You in Des Moines

Sexual harassment cases are complex. There’s paperwork, deadlines, and sometimes retaliation from an employer to worry about.

Experienced attorneys offer:

• Confidential Consultations – Your privacy and comfort matter. You control what details to share and when.
• Detailed Evidence Review – Our team identifies patterns, verifies facts, and ensures strong cases for mediation or trial.
• Protection Against Retaliation – The law prohibits employers from punishing employees for reporting harassment. If you’re demoted, fired, or harassed in response, your attorney can swiftly respond.
• Clear Communication – Lawyers explain options in plain language, keep you informed, and let you decide how to move forward.

When Should You Get Legal Help?

If harassment is ongoing, ignored, or the employer’s response feels inadequate, contact a qualified employment attorney in Des Moines immediately. Early legal guidance helps you preserve evidence, understand timelines, and protect your job and mental health while you pursue a fair resolution.

Many attorneys offer free reviews of circumstances—use this time to provide the attorney with detailed information regarding your claims so they can determine if a formal meeting is necessary. 

Empowering Yourself and Others to Fight Back Against Sexual Harassment

Standing up to sexual harassment takes courage but also helps build safer workplaces for everyone in Des Moines. You have support from the law and from advocates determined to protect your rights. By documenting, reporting, and choosing to take legal action if needed, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re making your workspace better for your colleagues as well.

Our compassionate team at Newkirk Zwagerman is here to listen, explain your options, and help you regain a sense of safety and control at work.