According to Illinois law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct that is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical actions The forms 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 Winnebago County can be required to formulate and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. 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 established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Winnebago County workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. 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?

A claim for sexual harassment may be difficult to investigate and establish without the proper expertise in the relevant areas of law. It's fairly common for federal officials who investigate these issues to be overworked. Thus, hiring a Winnebago County lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of Illinois.