Your supervisor keeps touching you inappropriately. A co-worker keeps making comments about your butt. A manager emails you sexually explicit videos and images. A co-worker continually asks you out on dates even though you say no.
These are all examples of sexual harassment. Workers have the right to work in an environment free of any type of harassment. They should not feel afraid or anxious to go to work because of the behavior of co-workers and managers.
Sexual harassment is illegal at the state and federal levels. Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors. It can also refer to other physical or verbal harassment of a sexual nature.
The victim and the harasser can be a man or a woman. The victim and harasser can be the same sex or the opposite sex.
Sexual harassment becomes illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile work environment or causes the victim to be demoted or fired. Isolated incidents and simple teasing do not constitute sexual harassment.
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, it is a good idea to contact a harassment lawyer in Chicago for assistance. A lawyer can help answer your questions and assist with proceeding with a claim against your employer.
For example, does the situation constitute sexual harassment? How should you respond? How can you protect yourself from future harassment? Can your employer retaliate against you for making a complaint?
A lawyer can also help you figure out how to report the sexual harassment. Depending on your company policy, you may need to contact a manager or human resources. A lawyer can also help you describe the incident with confidence.
You will need help with the investigation. Your employer will want proof that the harassment took place. Therefore, you will need to take the appropriate steps to prove your case. This will include documenting the harassment, dealing with the harasser, and monitoring your employer so that they do not retaliate against you.
Once you submit all the required documentation to your employer, your lawyer will check in and ensure your employer is compliant with the law. If not, you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). There are certain guidelines and timelines that apply. Your lawyer can advise you of the pros and cons and determine what your best course of action will be.
Sexual harassment can be an embarrassing situation. You may feel powerless. You may want to ignore the situation and hope it will go away. Do not suffer in silence.
If you have faced sexual harassment in the workplace, The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline can help. Our Chicago sexual harassment lawyers is here to help protect your legal rights. Schedule a free consultation today by calling or filling out the online form.
