The Virginia Values Act (VVA), enacted in 2020, significantly enhances protection for employees in Virginia Beach who face workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment. This legislation broadens the scope of the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA), providing more comprehensive remedies compared to federal regulations like Title VII. The VVA covers a wider range of employers, including those with as few as six employees, and offers increased legal recourse for victims, ensuring a safer and more equitable work environment. Victims are encouraged to seek legal guidance to fully understand their rights and potential compensation for any harm suffered.

Under the VVA, employers are potentially more liable for discriminatory practices, and victims of sexual harassment have multiple paths to pursue justice. The legislation enables claims to be brought even when federal statutes might not apply, offering options such as direct reporting, mediation, and filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This act removes previous restrictions on damages in state actions, offering notable benefits such as unlimited compensatory damages and making summary judgment in favor of the defendant more challenging. Therefore, employees wronged by egregious workplace conduct can seek both compensatory and punitive damages, facilitating a robust response to any misconduct.