According to Illinois law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct which is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical acts The types of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.

How does Illinois Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers who are located in Westchester can be required to establish and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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 federal and Illinois laws that have appointed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Westchester workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. 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. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Westchester can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Illinois has defined.