What Recourse Do I Have If My Boss Is Sexually Harassing Me?
Sept. 14, 2021
Illinois Law Pertaining To Sexual Harassment At Work
Sexual harassment is illegal in the state of Illinois as per the Illinois Human Rights Act. So if you are receiving unwanted sexual advances or being asked for sexual favors in the workplace, you can and should file a complaint and sue if no action is taken to correct the behavior. A Chicago employment lawyer who is proficient in handling these cases will prove invaluable at that time.
This includes 'quid pro quo' harassment i.e. when a member of management offers a perk or a raise in return for dates and sexual favors. Another example of workplace sexual harassment is when an employer threatens to fire an employee if he/she refuses their sexual advances.
Some other examples of workplace sexual harassment include:
Suggestive or insulting sounds (such as wolf whistles).
Unwelcome touching (such as pinching, caresses, sexual assault, kissing, etc).
Posters, pin-ups, or slogans of a sexual nature or statements about an employee's body even outside their presence.
Viewing pornographic videos or websites at work.
Jokes about sex or sexts or threats of a sexual nature sent via mail or any other online resource.
Options For Victims Of Workplace Sexual Harassment
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you have several options you can look into. You can:
Report The Behavior To HR Or Management
Many workplaces have clearly stated dedicated sexual harassment policies in place that allow employees to complain about and report incidents.
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
If HR and management are being uncooperative or there is no sexual harassment policy in place at your company, file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). If you need immediate assistance, do not hesitate to call them on their 24/7 helpline by dialing 877-236-7703.
The government agency has jurisdiction over such complaints and this also includes employment discrimination. The IDHR can help both private and public employees, vendors, employment agencies, property owners, real estate brokers/agents, and employees in public and private schools, colleges, or universities. They will also ensure the facts surrounding your case remain confidential during the investigation. This includes the identities of witnesses so you can make a formal complaint without worry.
Get In Touch With A Chicago Employment Lawyer Today!
Sexual harassment can take a mental and physical toll on even the strongest of people. It can make your life difficult and compromise your work performance indefinitely if the behavior is allowed to continue.
Michael T. Smith has been helping people get the justice they deserve for a long time and he has a great track record of successful cases. He understands the mental turmoil that sexual harassment victims go through and will ensure you are treated with the utmost care.
You do not deserve to be treated like a piece of meat when you spent years to get to where you are today professionally. Get in touch with the Law Office of Michael T. Smith today and get the justice and compensation you deserve.