Sexual Harassment Based on Comments Alone
What happens if you are the victim of sexual harassment at work, but the sexual harassment consists of comments only? Do you have a legitimate sexual harassment case? The short answer is yes you do. One issue you may have is proving the comments were said to you. Of course you can testify that you heard the comments and you can expect the person saying them to deny it. There may also be circumstances where a third party overheard the comments--which would be very helpful. You may also send an email to the person making the comments asking him if you heard him correctly? If he responds, you have printed evidence, if he doesn't respond, it also looks odd that he would not deny saying the comments--so again you would have some printed evidence.
If other employees overhear the sexual harassing comments and are truthful with management or human resources about what was said and they are threatened with a negative job action, they will have a claim of retaliation. Many times, the people who are honest and truthful get fired or demoted and don't realize they have rights and protections under the law in Illinois. Don't be afraid to speak the truth and hold harassing people and the companies they work for accountable.
