In Virginia, harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability is a form of discrimination prohibited by federal and state law.

Virginia employees who believe they are sexually harassed should make it clear that such behavior is unwelcome and should report the harassment to the appropriate supervisory level, according to the VEC. In instances where the alleged harasser is the immediate supervisor, the violation should be reported to the harasser's supervisor by the most expeditious means possible. Allegations may also be reported directly to their human relations manager or the human resource management services director.

Employees may utilize the Employee Grievance Procedure (classified, non-probationary employees). Per the Grievance Procedure, if a grievance deals with a charge of discrimination against the immediate supervisor, the employee shall be permitted to initiate the grievance with the next higher level of management. As specified in the Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Grievance Procedure, a grievance must be initiated within 30 calendar days of the action giving rise to the grievance.

Employees can utilize the State Employee's Discrimination Complaint Procedure, which is administered by the Office of Equal Employment Services of the Department of Human Resource Management. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. They can also file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A complaint must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discrimination.