New York Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in New York workplaces can take on different forms. Sometimes superiors or coworkers make incessant, offensive, sexually-themed dirty jokes. Maybe someone in your office continues to ask you out on dates, despite your constant refusal. Perhaps you have been offered a career-related incentive in exchange for sexual favors, or been told that you will be fired if you do not accept sexual advances. In all of these instances and more, you may be experiencing sex harassment.

In New York, office harassment is a serious issue and can leave those affected feeling upset, violated, and even humiliated. Under sexual harassment law, anyone can be a victim of sex harassment—despite the way it is portrayed in mainstream media, both men and women can be targeted, and men and women can both violate proper conduct in workplaces. You may endure harassment from a boss or coworker of the opposite or same sex.

Have you been sexually harassed at work?

If you think you may be suffering from New York workplace harassment, there are several steps you can take, including seeking a sexual harassment attorney in New York and initiating a sexual harassment lawsuit. Consider taking the following steps to ensure your protection should you decide to proceed with a harassment lawsuit:

  • Make sure you are clear that the behaviors, such as unsolicited come-ons, offensive jokes, or other sexual advances, are unwanted, and that you wish them to stop.
  • Take the steps necessary to make sure your employer is aware you feel harassed. This may include speaking with a superior (or a superior of the harasser), filing a written or verbal complaint, or consulting with the human resources department. In cases where there is nowhere you feel comfortable reporting the behavior, a New York sexual harassment attorney can help you determine the appropriate actions to take.
  • Try to maintain a record of the acts of workplace harassment in New York. Include as much detail as possible about interactions that made you uncomfortable, objects or pictures you received, or other evidence of harassment, including the following:
    • Keep a journal of any interactions, such as requests for dates or sex, jokes that were told, or inappropriate touching. Include the date and time, what was said or what occurred, and who was present.
    • Hold onto any objects or pictures you might have been given that are harassing in nature or that made you feel uncomfortable. This might include unwanted gifts, cards, or material that is explicit in nature.
    • Save a copy of any other types of communication in which you felt sexually harassed. This may include emails, phone messages, or even handwritten notes. Keep a copy of these things in a personal drive or file so that they cannot be deleted via a workplace server.

For additional information

Visit some of our other pages for additional information on New York sexual harassment law and sex harassment attorneys by following the links below:

New York sexual harassment lawyers

For more information on New York harassment laws, or to inquire about a harassment lawsuit in New York, contact the law firm of The Derek T. Smith Law Group, P.C. today.