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Who can be Sexually Harassed and Where?

Illinois Law classifies nonemployees as patrons, vendors, bystanders, and service providers.


Who Can be Sexually Harassed?

Anyone can be sexually harassed or be the perpetrator of sexual harassment in the workplace regardless of their position in the company, their sex, gender identity, or sexuality. Sexual harassment in the workplace can take place between two employees, an employee and a supervisor, an employee and any nonemployee.

Illinois law classifies nonemployees as: 

    1. Patrons
    2. Vendors 
    3. Service Providers 
    4. Bystanders

According to Illinois law, nonemployees can also be held liable as the perpetrator of sexual harassment against Illinois employees. 


Where can someone be sexually harassed?

Workplace Sexual Harassment can take place anywhere that work is being completed. 

This includes: 

  1. The worksite
  2. Off-Site Work Locations
  3. Mobile/Moving Worksite Locations
  4. Online Environments

What is Online Sexual Harassment?

In the state of Illinois, workplace sexual harassment can take place in online environments regardless of whether or not the victim/perpetrator is clocked into work. Online Sexual Harassment is just as serious and has the same repercussions as harassment that takes place in person.

Some examples of Online Sexual Harassment Include: 

  1. Frequently flirting 
  2. Frequently requesting to go on a date 
  3. Requesting sexual favors
  4. Offering sexual favors
  5. Sending inappropriate pictures or videos
  6. Using sexual language or comments 
  7. Cyber stalking

Online Sexual Harassment can take place through: 

  1. Emails
  2. Text Messages
  3. Online comment sections
  4. Blog Posts
  5. Social Media Outlets (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, etc)