Illinois law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. 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, employers in Belleville are often required to formulate company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. Matters covered by such policies should include contact information used by employees to report incidents, handling procedures for claims, and corrective measures (in the event that a claim turns out to be successful).
Illinois and federal laws established agencies that process claims involving sexual harassment. They have the authority to investigate Belleville workplaces regarding the conduct alleged in the complaints that have been filed with them. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Illinois attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too overworked to handle individual claims. Thus, hiring an attorney in Belleville can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Illinois has defined.