A House Ethics Committee investigation will look in to the merit of the claims by a Helsinki Commission staff member that Congressman Hastings doled out unwanted hugs and made sexually suggestive comments. The complaints date back to 2007, when the staffer was originally hired.

The alleged victim said that work trips included unwanted sexual advances on several occasions, including one incident in Portugal when the congressman started to rant about his interest in her.

The Congressman denies all of the allegations, and as said that he believes the victim is using this complaint to promote her upcoming book. "The acts alleged are contrary to my character and to the main objective of my career in Congress, advancing the civil rights of all people," he said in a statement.

Workplace sexual harassment is illegal and can consist of many types of unwanted behavior by a coworker, boss, employee, or any agent of the employer. The victim can be a man or a woman, and does not have to be the opposite sex of the harasser. Even if the victim doesn't suffer from an economic harm or lose their job, there can still be damage and possible recovery.

In Louisiana, sexual harassment includes uninvited sexual advances, improper sexual innuendo, requests for sexual favors, inappropriate touching, or sexually explicit remarks. Sexual harassment can also be any other behavior that has a sexual nature and intimidates, offends or interferes with your ability to work. If you think you may be a victim of sexual harassment, the advice and counsel of an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and possible ways to end the harassment.

Source: Reuters, "Report details harassment claim against Congressman Hastings," Alex Dobuzinskis, Jan. 11, 2012