Sexual Harassment Overview

A Guide to Sexual Harrassment in 2024

Sexual harassment is a serious violation of an employee's rights, and it is prohibited under federal and state law. Although the perpetrator may consider his or her behavior harmless or even funny, the victim of sexual harassment is often demeaned and humiliated. Victims can experience significant emotional distress in these situations, and they may also be subject to illegal treatment by their employers. In many cases, victims experience wrongful termination in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.

If you have experienced sexual harassment, consulting with an experienced employment lawyer can help you protect yourself and understand your rights under the law. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we understand the ways victims can be affected by these situations, and we work to help them respond to inappropriate behavior while addressing the financial losses and emotional trauma they have suffered. We work to ensure that our clients' rights are protected as they file sexual harassment claims with the appropriate government agencies or pursue lawsuits to address wrongful termination, retaliation, or other forms of discrimination.

Sexual Harassment Is Discrimination

Sexual harassment can be perpetrated by a superior or co-worker. When the harassment comes from a superior, it often takes the form of promising work-related benefits in exchange for sexual favors. A manager or supervisor may promise promotions, pay increases, office perks, or other benefits, or they may threaten to fire, demote, or penalize an employee who does not meet their demands.

In other cases, sexual harassment can create a hostile work environment that causes a person to suffer distress and affects their ability to perform their duties. For example, comments about a person's appearance, inappropriate jokes, or displaying sexually explicit images or videos can create an environment in which an employee feels uncomfortable, experiences distress, or suffers emotional trauma. All forms of sexual harassment are prohibited by federal law, and many states also protect workers under state anti-discrimination laws.

Sexual harassment can be very harmful to the victim. That harm can take the form of reduced self-esteem or stress to the victim caused by a belief that they are somehow responsible for the perpetrator's behavior. The victim may also suffer financial hardship if he or she is denied a raise or promotion for failing to follow the demands of the harasser.

Victims' Rights

As the victim of sexual harassment, you have the power to make it stop. You can report the abuse to your employer. If you do not get results from your employer after making a complaint, you can file a claim with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). An experienced employment lawyer can help guide you through this process and help you obtain the relief to which you are legally entitled.

If you are concerned about retaliation from your employer, you are protected by state and federal law, which prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee who files a claim of sexual harassment. If you were wrongfully terminated or penalized, you may be able to recover compensation for the financial losses this caused you, as well as other damages addressing issues such as emotional distress.

Contact Our DuPage County Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Our employment discrimination attorneys know all the applicable laws that affect sexual harassment cases, including those related to employment discrimination and those covered by other legislation. Contact a knowledgeable employment discrimination lawyer at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC to discuss filing an employment discrimination claim. Call us today at 630-665-7300.