Our culture is dealing with an epidemic of sexual abuse, including the shocking prevalence of workplace sexual abuse. While the #MeToo campaign has highlighted pervasive abusive practices in the entertainment industry, movie and TV stars aren’t the only victims of predatory coworkers and lax or cowardly corporate leadership. The sad truth is that workplace sexual abuse can and does happen to workers of all levels, in all industries, and across gender lines. Worse still, many victims of workplace sexual abuse don’t know where to turn for help.
The Chicago workplace sexual abuse lawyers at Hale & Monico can help you hold your abuser and employer accountable while pursuing fair compensation on your behalf. Our sexual abuse attorneys have a proven record of success in these cases, including a recent $1 million settlement for a woman who suffered sexual assault by a police officer. We understand the delicate nature of these cases and will make the legal process as painless as possible. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
How Our Chicago Workplace Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help You
As civil rights and personal injury attorneys, we help people who experience sexual abuse at work take legal action to find justice and hold wrongdoers accountable. Our goal is to guide you through one of the most painful experiences of your life with strength, clarity, and care.
Our process typically starts by helping you file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). From there, we can pursue a civil claim against your abuser, employer, or both, depending on the facts of your case.
We will handle all your claim’s legal details, from gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to dealing with your employer and preparing your case for trial (if necessary). We will protect your rights throughout the process, shield you from retaliation, and present your story in clear terms. We will also work to recover financial compensation for the emotional trauma, lost income, the cost of mental health counseling, and other harm you’ve suffered.
What Qualifies as Workplace Sexual Abuse?
Some people who experience workplace sexual abuse hesitate to act because they don’t know if what happened to them “counts.” While some forms of workplace abuse may meet the definition of criminal sexual abuse or sexual assault under Illinois law, a person’s actions don’t necessarily have to be criminal to qualify as abuse. Some examples of behavior that may qualify as workplace sexual abuse include:
- Unwanted touching, groping, or physical contact
- Sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
- Repeated requests for dates or sexual favors
- Sexually explicit materials being shared or displayed
- Stares or leers that suggest sexual interest
- Threats or promises made to induce sexual conduct
- Sexual rumors or degrading remarks
- Inappropriate messages, emails, or texts
- A hostile work environment because of sexual behavior
- Retaliation after rejected sexual advances or reported abuse
Civil and criminal cases are different. In criminal cases, prosecutors file criminal charges when sexual abuse occurs. Victims and their personal attorneys file sexual abuse lawsuits through the civil court system. A civil lawsuit cannot send an abuser or an enabling employer to jail. Victims can take legal action in civil court while the authorities pursue criminal cases.
How Workplace Sexual Abuse Claims Work
Workplace sexual abuse cases typically follow the same standard steps:
- Filing an EEOC Complaint – Most victims of workplace sexual abuse must first submit their case to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal agency investigates workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment and abuse. We can handle the paperwork and communication for you to bolster your chances of a successful case outcome.
- Receiving a Right-to-Sue Letter – After the EEOC reviews your case, you may receive a letter giving you the right to file a lawsuit in civil court. This is an essential step toward taking legal action.
- Filing a Civil Lawsuit – With the right-to-sue letter, we can file a claim against your abuser, employer, or both. Your lawsuit may demand compensation for your lost wages, emotional distress, and other losses.
- Settlement or Trial – Many workplace sexual abuse cases settle before trial, as employers typically want to avoid the embarrassment and expense of a lengthy, public case. However, we’re always prepared to go to court if that’s what it takes to help you find justice.
Deadline to File a Workplace Sexual Abuse Claim
Your deadline to file a workplace sexual abuse lawsuit depends on your age when the abuse happened and the date the abuse occurred. Adults typically have two years from the most recent date of abuse to file a lawsuit. Those who experienced abuse before turning 18 have more time to file, though how much time they have varies based on when the abuse happened.
The old deadline for child sexual abuse claims was 20 years from a victim’s 18th birthday or when they discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that they suffered physical or emotional injuries related to sexual abuse, whichever was later. However, recent changes to Illinois law give most victims of child sexual abuse unlimited time to file civil lawsuits, provided their claim was allowed as of Jan. 1, 2014.
What To Do If You’ve Experienced Workplace Sexual Abuse
Follow these steps to protect your legal case if you experienced workplace sexual abuse in Illinois:
- Find a safe and private place and talk to someone you trust
- Write down what happened, including dates, times, and witnesses
- Save any messages, emails, or other evidence
- Report the abuse to your supervisor or human resources if possible
- Avoid discussing the situation on social media
- Contact a workplace sexual abuse attorney
- Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist
Contact Our Chicago Workplace Sexual Abuse Attorneys
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you have experienced workplace sexual abuse. Hale & Monico can help you take action to regain control of your life and hold your abuser accountable, along with anyone who enabled them or covered up your abuser’s actions. Call now or complete our contact form for a free, confidential consultation.