Sexual Harassment

As incidents of sexual harassment increase, so do the number of lawsuits filed for sexual harassment. Not only related to employment, charges of sexual harassment are also being filed in landlord tenant situations, as well as schools or educational environments. The sexual offender may be of the same sex or opposite sex.

Any of the following may be considered forms of sexual harassment:

• Sexually verbal abuse
• Degrading gestures
• Unwanted physical contact or touching
• Using sexually suggestive pictures or objects
• Sexual propositions
• Demanding sexual favors

No matter what the situation, a key factor in determining whether sexual harassment has occurred is that the sexual communication was unwanted. If faced with sexual harassment, it’s important to let the sexual offender know his/her communication is not wanted and that it must stop.

Because individuals have the right to freedom from a hostile work environment, companies and places of work are held liable when bringing suit against sexual harassment. Not only is the sexual offender at fault, but also it is the responsibility of the employer, educational institution or company to ensure that sexual harassment isn’t occurring within their sphere of influence.

Member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Personal Injury Lawyer providing excellence in legal services for northern Illinois and the Chicago area, as well as numerous counties including McHenry, Lake, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, Boone, Will and other surrounding areas.