Workplace sexual harassment and sexual violence are on the rise.  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits sexual-based conduct in the workplace such as direct requests for sexual favors and harassment that creates a hostile work environment.  Of course, those same laws also prevent any sexual assault in the workplace such as an unwanted touching of a sexual nature and/or rape. 

Oftentimes, certain sexual harassment can escalate into sexual violence and, thus, it is important for an aggrieved employee to report any unwelcome conduct to his or her manager and/or Human Resources.  It is almost always best to report the conduct both verbally and in writing.