Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (“VESSA”)

The Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) protects employees. This includes those who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of such violence. The employee may take up to twelve (12) weeks of unpaid leave per any twelve (12) month period.. And may seek medical help, legal assistance, counseling, safety planning, and other assistance.

Under VESSA employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees who are victims of:

 domestic violence;

sexual violence;

gender violence;

or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of violence.

Types of Lawsuits

Typically a gender discrimination claim is filed along with a VESSA claim. Gender discrimination claims are filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

Violations of VESSA can be filed with the Illinois Department of Labor (“IDOL”) by filling out this complaint sheet. As a Springfield Sexual Harassment lawyer, I know too well all the tricks employers play. Let me put my experience to work for you.

Penalties for Violations

If an employer is found to have violated VESSA the following are possible. The IDOL may require the employer to pay damages equal to the amount of wages, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost with interest. The IDOL may provide equitable relief, such as reinstatement, promotion, reasonable accommodations and attorney’s fees. Because attorney fees are normally awarded, it makes not sense to not hire an attorney. Why go it alone when in essence you can have a free attorney.

Protect your rights

Springfield Employment Lawyer Peter LaSorsa can help protect your VESSA rights. I have over 22 years of experience fighting for employees who are victims of workplace discrimination. The employer will have a team of human resource professionals working for them. They may even have a few lawyers. You need to have someone fighting on your side.

Please report VESSA violations to Peter LaSorsa to protect your rights.