Chicago Sexual Harassment Lawyers
It is illegal for a co-worker, manager, vendor, or customer/client to sexually harass you in the workplace. Sexual harassment is prohibited no matter your gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation and can be done by someone either the opposite or same gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation as yourself. Sexual harassment can take the form of verbal comments of a sexual nature, including jokes referring to sexual acts or sexual orientation; requests for sexual favors; unwelcome physical contact; or sexual assault.
A hostile work environment is one where you are subjected to unwanted harassing conduct so severe, widespread or persistent that a reasonable person would consider it hostile or abusive. Harassing conduct takes many oppressive forms, including verbal (obscene language, demeaning comments, slurs, threats), physical (unwanted touching, assault, interference with normal work or movement), visual (offensive posters, objects, cartoons, drawings) or simply unwanted sexual advances.
Harassing conduct need not be sexual in nature, or motivated by sexual desire, to be unlawful. However, to be illegal, the conduct must be because of sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or another protected category. Employers may be liable for failing to prevent and correct harassment, whether it is committed by a supervisor, co-worker or third party.
What You Can Do if You Have Been Sexually Harassed
Ignoring sexual harassment usually will not make it go away. Here are some basic steps you can take if you are faced with sexual harassment or discrimination at work:
- Record dates, places, people, times and witnesses of the harassment/discrimination. (Note: This must not be done on company time or company equipment and should be kept at home.)
- Review company policies about discrimination, grievance procedures or arbitration agreements.
- Put employer “on notice” by informing your superior(s) or human resources about what’s happening.
- Maintain copies of positive job evaluations or letters.
- Talk to sympathetic co-workers: you may find others who are encountering the same problems, and if you complain together, the complaints may be taken more seriously.
Seeking Help
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, please contact Atlas Consumer Law immediately. The passage of time can eliminate your right to sue. To report abuse or obtain more information about your rights and remedies, please call or complete the form.