Harassment claims: Know when to call police.

Employees' serious allegations of forced contact and groping call for a robust response from the employer. When in doubt, check with your attorney whether you should contact the police. Any sexual touching can be classified as sexual assault. Most states grade assault along a spectrum that includes sexual touching such as forced kissing and continues up through rape.

Recent case: "Jane Doe" was an inspector at a Michigan dairy plant. Soon after she began the job, her boss requested a sexual relationship. When she rejected his advances, he allegedly became physical, forcibly kissing and groping her.

She complained...