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A model training program is a complete training curriculum that IDHR has developed for employers to use. You download the materials and use them to train your own employees.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Program
Sexual harassment prevention training helps create safer workplaces by teaching employees and employers how to prevent, identify, and respond to sexual harassment. IDHR provides free model training programs and resources to help you educate your workforce.
Looking for compliance requirements, deadlines, and legal obligations? Find them here on our Sexual Harassment Prevention Compliance page.
What This Training Covers
Our sexual harassment prevention training includes:
- What sexual harassment is under Illinois and federal law
- Examples of unlawful sexual harassment
- Federal and state laws on sexual harassment
- Remedies for victims of sexual harassment
- Employer responsibilities for prevention, investigation, and corrective measures
The training uses real-world scenarios and case studies to help employees recognize and prevent harassment in the workplace.
Specialized Training for Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants and bars need supplemental training that addresses situations unique to the hospitality industry. This training includes:
- Scenarios and examples specific to restaurant and bar environments
- Manager liability and responsibilities
- Customer harassment and alcohol-related incidents
- Power dynamics in tipped positions
- Training materials available in both English and Spanish
Who Can Use This Training
Employers: Any employer can use IDHR model training programs to train their staff. Our materials work for organizations of all sizes and industries.
Restaurants and Bars: We provide specialized supplemental training designed for the restaurant and bar industry. This training addresses the unique challenges hospitality workers face.
Training Providers: Third-party trainers and consultants can use our model programs as a foundation for the training services they provide to clients.
Individual Learners: Individuals seeking to understand sexual harassment prevention can access our training materials for personal learning and professional development.
What This Training Teaches
Understanding Sexual Harassment:
- What sexual harassment is under Illinois law
- Real-world examples of unlawful conduct
- How to recognize harassment in the workplace
Your Rights and Protections:
- Federal and state laws that protect you
- Remedies available if harassment occurs
- How to report harassment safely
Prevention and Response:
- How to prevent harassment before it happens
- What to do if you experience or witness harassment
- Employer responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace
For Restaurant and Bar Workers:
- Industry-specific situations and challenges
- Customer harassment and how to address it
- Manager and employee responsibilities
How to Access Training
There are multiple ways to access training:
Attend Public Training Sessions
IDHR offers free, virtual training sessions open to anyone. These sessions are taught by certified trainers with more than 10 years of experience in civil and human rights.
Individuals can attend to fulfill their training requirement or to learn about sexual harassment prevention.
Request Group Training
Organizations can request customized training sessions for their team. Group training lets you train multiple employees at once and focus on the most relevant topics for your workplace.
Customized training needs to be requested a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks before the scheduled training date.
Use a Model Training Program
What is a model training program?
A model training program is a complete curriculum that you can download and use to train your own employees. The program includes all materials you need, including presentations, handouts, and delivery instructions.
What model training programs are available?
- General employers (all industries)
- Restaurants and bars (supplemental training)
Materials are available in multiple formats, including:
- PowerPoint presentations
- PDF handouts
- Video modules
- Audio training files
Some materials are available in English and Spanish.
Create Your Own Training
You can develop your own sexual harassment prevention training program using our materials as a guide. Any program you create should cover the essential areas outlined above.
Use a Third-Party Provider
You may hire a third-party vendor or organization to provide training. Many training providers use IDHR model programs as a foundation for their services.
Enforcement and Penalties
What happens if an employer does not comply with training requirements?
If an organization doesn’t provide required sexual harassment prevention training, they may receive something called a notice to show cause. This notice provides 30 days to comply with the training requirements.
If an organization isn’t compliant within 30 days, IDHR will petition the Illinois Human Rights Commission to issue a civil penalty against your organization.
How to report non-compliance:
If you believe an employer is not providing required training:
- Call: 312-814-6278
- Complete an online inquiry form at dhr.illinois.gov/contact
- You may report anonymously
Learn more about training requirements and compliance standards on our Sexual Harassment Prevention Compliance page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
You can access model training programs through our website. Request Access to Training Materials.
Yes. Our public training sessions are free, virtual, and open to all, and you can register online.
Yes. You are responsible for delivering the training and documenting that employees completed it.