What is Sexual Harassment under Illinois Law?
Illinois law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Common examples of sexual harassment done by employers include making sexual advances, creating an overtly sexual and offensive work environment, and making demands for sexual favors as a condition to promotion.
How does Illinois Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First of all, employers in the city of Peoria may be required to establish company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, procedures for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.
There are also agencies which are created by federal and Illinois law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Peoria are true. Also, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.
How can a Illinois attorney help?
A claim for sexual harassment may be difficult to investigate and prove without the proper expertise in the relevant areas of law. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harrassment are, unfortunatly, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Peoria can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Illinois has defined.
