Illinois

After several instances of abuse by the defendant, the plaintiff sought an emergency order of protection in November of 2014. During the hearing, the trial court found that there was abuse, but denied a plenary order of protection. The court instead issued a civil restraining order, which is a less severe remedy. On appeal, the Appellate Court of Illinois found that Illinois statute states that when a trial court finds abuse against the petitioner, it must issue an order of protection and remanded the case to the trial court to issue this order.

Donna Feleccia was a records clerk with the county sheriff’s department. A coworker sent her a letter that appeared to be from the Illinois Department of Public Health informing her that she may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. When Feliccia read the letter, she became very upset and started shaking. The letter was sent by Yanor, a coworker of Feliccia’s, as a practical joke. Feliccia’s coworkers heard about the letter and/or that Feliccia had a sexually transmitted disease and Feliccia missed work and sleep over the incident.

A woman filed a complaint against the Illinois Department of Corrections alleging that she had been sexually harassed by her immediate supervisor, and was discharged in retaliation after she opposed the harassment and filed charges. An Administrative Law Judge found the harassment sufficient to create a hostile work environment and determined that her dismissal was retaliatory. Her reinstatement and monetary relief were recommended. The Illinois Human Rights Commission upheld the decision, awarding the woman back pay, benefits, medical expenses, attorneys' fees, and costs.

KM was employed by the village fire department as a secretary. G. Trayling was a lieutenant with the fire department and worked in the same office as KM. On one occasion Trayling kissed KM on the cheek, and on another he put his hands on her waist and hips. G. Trayling was charged by the village manager with sexually harassing KM in violation of Title VII and the Illinois Human Rights Act. Although the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners opted to suspend Trayling for 30 days without pay rather than discharge him, both he and the manager requested a review of the decision.