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 Ottawa may be required to formulate 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, process for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

There are also federal and Illinois laws that have formed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate an Ottawa workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Employers are also barred under these laws from taking action in retaliation against an employee who has claimed sexual harassment, such as firing them or denying them a promotion.

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 officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Therefore, hiring an Ottawa lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Illinois.