The Illinois Department of Human Rights today (Friday, Feb. 16, 2018) announced the creation of a toll-free sexual harassment hotline to provide resources to the public, including referrals to counseling and legal services. The hotline, and accompanying website, will also allow for the reporting of sexual harassment allegations in both private and public places of employment.

• Click this link to report sexual harassment in Illinois.
• Hotline: 877-236-7703

In establishing and maintaining the hotline, IDHR enlisted the support of The Chicago Lighthouse, which provides employment opportunities to the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veteran communities. Staff at The Chicago Lighthouse were trained by IDHR management on legal definitions of sexual harassment and resources available for reporting it, including filing of a charge of discrimination.

“This hotline will allow for a more centralized process for the public to find necessary resources and assistance in the filing of sexual harassment complaints,” said IDHR Acting Director Janice Glenn. “I am proud to establish this partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse to provide essential information to those who are facing sexual harassment. Through this service, our agency can better enforce laws that protect Illinois residents and prevent acts of sexual harassment.”

The Sexual Harassment Hotline Call Center can be reached between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with the exception of state holidays at 877-236-7703. By statute, all communications received by the department via the hotline or accompanying website are confidential and exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

For more information, please visit https://www.illinois.gov/sexualharassment.

What You Should Do If You Are Sexually Harassed

• Object. Let the harasser know that you are offended by this conduct and want it to stop.
• Document. Write down what happened to you, when it happened, who was there and what was said by all the parties involved.  Keep records of subtle or overt job or educational related promises or threats.
• Identify witnesses. Speak with peers whom you trust. Often, the person harassing you may be bothering others as well. These witnesses may be willing to testify to the facts.
• Notify Management. Though not necessary, it is a good idea to report the incident to your supervisor or academic advisor. If the supervisor or academic advisor is the sexual harasser, see his or her supervisor, and also report the incident to the affirmative action officer and/or human resources.
• Call Police. If the sexual harassment conduct is criminal in nature, also report the incident to law enforcement authorities immediately.
• Report the incident to governmental authorities.  For more information visit the section titled “Reporting” below.   

How To Report Sexual Harassment in Illinois

Persons who have experienced sexual harassment have several reporting options. Where a person can report sexual harassment will depend on where the harassment occurred. In some instances, a complainant can report an incident of sexual harassment to multiple governmental entities. Governmental entities have differing jurisdictions and authorities to address sexual harassment.

• Click here to read more about reporting sexual harassment.

Below is an overview of the Illinois governmental entities a complainant can contact to report an incident of sexual harassment.

In the Private or Public Sector

• Contact your Human Resources Department, Manager or Supervisor. Your employer or agency may have specific policies and processes in place to report sexual harassment.
• Contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Reports (charges) of sexual harassment as a form of discrimination can be made to the Illinois Department of Human Rights. In brief, IDHR has jurisdiction over complaints of sexual harassment in employment, housing, public accommodation and education.

In the Public Sector Only

In addition to contacting the Illinois Department of Human Rights, persons who experience sexual harassment in the public sector can report the incident in one or more of the following manners. IDHR’s investigation would be separate, apart and independent of any investigation conduct by the EO, OEIG or the OLIG.

• Contact the agency’s assigned Ethics Officer). State of Illinois agencies of the Illinois Governor are each designate an Ethics Officer who is available to discuss any concerns about sexual harassment, and can assist a State employee in making a report of sexual harassment. This is an internal process that is managed within the agency in which the incident occurred.  To learn more, read about agency EO’s in the section below.
• Contact Office of the Executive Inspector General. The OEIG is empowered to investigate instances of sexual harassment and other misconduct that occurs in agencies under the Illinois Governor.   This is an external process that is initiated outside of the agency where the incident occurred. To learn more, read about the OEIG in the section below.
• Contact the Office of the Legislative Inspector General. The OLIG is empowered to investigate instances of sexual harassment and other misconduct that occurs in entities within the Illinois legislature.  This is an external process that is conducted outside of the legislative entity where the incident occurred.

SOURCE: state of Illinois news release