While the #metoo movement has changed the national consciousness regarding the most egregious cases of sexual harassment and violence, Illinois employees are protected from far more than these most heinous of actions. Sexual harassment can take many forms, and is not always obvious.
We represent clients who have been sexually harassed. As an employee, your employer is not legally allowed to treat you unfavorably on the basis of your gender. This includes any form of discrimination or any type of sexual harassment, whether it be physical, verbal, or otherwise. Which may take the form of workplace conduct that is lewd or offensive and also encompasses situations in which a supervisor conditions favorable treatment, such as a raise or a promotion, on the employee’s submission to sexual activity.
Examples of harassment include:
- Derogatory comments, slurs, epithets or jokes;
- Unwanted touching, such as back rubs, pats on the butt, pinching or “accidental” brushes against your chest or other parts of your body;
- Unwanted sexual propositions;
- Discussion of sexual acts;
- An offer of employment or other benefits in exchange for sexual favors;
- A threat to reduce your hours, benefits, the rate of pay, or otherwise hurt your conditions of employment if you don’t comply with a sexual request;
- Loss of employment, benefits or other adverse impacts after complaining about harassment;
- Leering or rude gestures;
- Someone displaying or “giving” to you sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons or posters;
- Graphic comments, sexually degrading words, sexually suggestive or obscene messages or invitations; or
- If a boss or coworker makes frequent sexual or inappropriate comments or jokes, pressures you to spend social time together, touches you inappropriately, or makes comments about your appearance.
