Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious violation of both federal and Illinois employment laws. Employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Unfortunately, many individuals face unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or even threats related to their job security if they reject such behavior.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2) and the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2-102), employers are prohibited from engaging in or tolerating sexual harassment in the workplace.
These laws protect employees from quid pro quo harassment, where a job benefit is conditioned on accepting sexual advances, and hostile work environments, where repeated misconduct creates an intimidating or offensive workplace.
If you are facing sexual harassment in the workplace, taking immediate action is essential to protect your rights, your job, and your well-being.
Keeping detailed records is one of the most important steps in proving workplace harassment. Document:
Proper documentation can serve as evidence if you decide to file a formal complaint or take legal action.
Employers in Illinois are legally required to have policies and procedures in place for handling workplace harassment. If you are experiencing sexual harassment, follow these steps:
Under Illinois law (775 ILCS 5/2-109), employers must investigate harassment claims and take corrective action.
If you report sexual harassment and face retaliation, such as termination, demotion, or negative performance reviews, you may have grounds for a retaliatory discharge claim. Federal and state laws, including 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3 and 775 ILCS 5/6-101, prohibit retaliation against employees who assert their rights.
If you experience retaliation, consult an attorney immediately to explore your legal options.
If your employer fails to address your complaint, you can file a formal complaint with:
These agencies investigate workplace harassment and may take legal action against employers who violate the law.
If internal complaints and administrative actions do not resolve the issue, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages, including:
Legal representation can help maximize compensation and hold employers accountable for unlawful conduct.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with work performance or creates an intimidating environment. This includes inappropriate comments, suggestive emails, unwanted touching, and coercion.
No. Federal and Illinois laws prohibit retaliation against employees who report sexual harassment. If you are fired, demoted, or face negative consequences for speaking up, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination or retaliatory discharge claim.
Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace, regardless of who commits the harassment. If a coworker, client, or customer harasses you, your employer must take action to stop the behavior once it has been reported. If they fail to act, they may be liable.
If HR fails to investigate or take action, you have the right to file a complaint with the EEOC or IDHR. You may also consider consulting an attorney to determine whether a lawsuit against your employer is warranted.
You generally have 300 days from the date of the last incident to file a complaint with the EEOC or IDHR. If you plan to file a lawsuit, deadlines may vary depending on the specific legal claim.
While you are not required to have an attorney, legal representation can increase your chances of success. A lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
If you are facing sexual harassment in the workplace, you do not have to go through it alone. At North Suburban Legal Services, we are committed to protecting employees’ rights and holding employers accountable.
If you need help, contact our Chicago sexual harassment lawyer at North Suburban Legal Services by calling 312-909-6089 to receive your free consultation and discussion of options. Our firm serves clients throughout Chicago and fights for fair treatment in the workplace.