Illinois law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Frequent 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 Manhattan may be required to implement company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the process for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

Furthermore, federal and Illinois laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Manhattan to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to dismiss an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a Illinois attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are frequently understaffed and overworked. Thus, hiring an attorney in Manhattan can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Illinois has defined.