How Are Governmental Sexual Harassment Claims Treated?

 Posted on February 10, 2025 in Sexual Harassment

A CIA workplace sexual assault case has recently emerged, which appears to show a pattern of shielding sexual misconduct among the ranks. During his own birthday party at a CIA office, a veteran officer drank too much, groped a colleague, reached up her skirt, and forcibly kissed and fondled her – in front of stunned co-workers. The woman filed a sexual harassment claim, and while the CIA itself refused to disclose details on the extent of sexual harassment in the agency, a 648-page internal watchdog report found systemic shortcomings in how the agency handled harassment claims.

In many cases, complaints of harassment and sexual harassment were classified as secret. This allowed the complaints to be shielded from public view as a "threat to national security." The watchdog report followed a prior AP investigation that found at least two dozen women came forward with accounts of sexual harassment and assault, as well as attempts to silence them.

While filing a claim for sexual harassment against a governmental agency may have more roadblocks put in front of it, an experienced Illinois sexual harassment lawyer knows how to get around these roadblocks and fight for your rights.

Is Sexual Harassment in Governmental Agencies Increasing?

High-profile sexual harassment cases in governmental agencies appear to be more and more common, and many question whether these agencies are held to the same standard of accountability as private companies. While private companies have drafted sexual harassment policies in order to escape lawsuits and other legal repercussions, federal agencies may not have the same fear of liability.

Many governmental agencies have weak sexual harassment policies, little to no consistency, and, in many cases, no guidelines at all for victims of sexual harassment. Lacking a clear definition of sexual harassment and misconduct, penalties and punishments handed down are inconsistent and generally lack enforcement. Governmental employees who experience sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace are often not afforded the same protections as those who work for a private company.

Sexual harassment may not go entirely unpunished, but similar behavior could result in one offender being fired while another receives a stern reprimand. However, agencies are working on consistent policies that provide victims with a clear path for reporting sexual harassment without fear of retaliation. There are recommendations in the works that would suspend or revoke the security clearance of a proven sexual harasser.

Yet currently, the overall culture of governmental agencies often shields higher-ranking officials from disciplinary actions. During the #MeToo campaign, several female senators alleged that sexual harassment and assault are rampant on Capitol Hill. If those who run our nation are not held accountable, it becomes even more difficult for victims to come forward and report sexual harassment and assault.  

Contact a DuPage County, IL Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Reporting sexual harassment and assault is never easy and can be even more difficult for those who work in a governmental agency. Speaking to a Wheaton, IL sexual harassment attorney from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC can remove the weight from your shoulders while seeking justice. Call MKFM Law at 630-665-7300 to schedule your initial attorney meeting.