Mickey Wilson attorneys are experienced in all aspects of sexual harassment litigation, including representing clients in both state and federal courts, as well as before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights. According to the Illinois Human Rights Act, “sexual harassment” is defined as:
“any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.”
Other conduct which may constitute sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Verbal: Sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, insults, humor, and jokes about sex, anatomy or gender-specific traits, sexual propositions, threats, repeated requests for dates, or statements about other employees, even outside of their presence, of a sexual nature.
- Non-Verbal: Suggestive or insulting sounds (whistling), leering, obscene gestures, sexually suggestive bodily gestures, “catcalls”, “smacking” or “kissing” noises.
- Visual: Posters, signs, pin-ups or slogans of a sexual nature, viewing pornographic material or websites.
- Physical: Touching, unwelcome hugging or kissing, pinching, brushing the body, any coerced sexual act, or actual assault.
- Textual/Electronic: “Sexting” (electronically sending messages with sexual content, including pictures and video), the use of sexually explicit language, harassment, cyber stalking and threats via all forms of electronic communication (e-mail, text/picture/video messages, intranet/on-line postings, blogs, instant messages and social network websites like Facebook and Twitter).
Our attorneys take a measured, sensitive approach to our clients’ needs, respectful of the difficulty that can be presented in dealing with discussing the emotionally-charged nature of many discrimination claims. Our goal is to represent your interests, and to make the process of finding justice as painless and as rewarding as possible. We understand the unique difficulties associated with being a victim of sexual harassment. The recovery process starts with understanding that what has happened is not your fault.
In addition, because of our experience with sexual harassment litigation, we are uniquely qualified and experienced in consulting with both municipal and corporate clients regarding appropriate workplace environments that are free of harassment, including drafting and implementing thorough sexual harassment policies which comply with state and federal law. As sexual harassment claims continue to make headlines nationwide, we remain well versed in the current state of the law both federally and in Illinois. This includes the newly enacted state laws requiring, among other things, units of local government to establish policies prohibiting sexual harassment according to specific statutory requirements. Mickey Wilson attorneys are experienced in drafting comprehensive sexual harassment policies for public and private employers to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.
For a free consultation, with one of our attorneys, regarding a potential sexual harassment claim, please contact us today.