Sexual harassment is defined under New York law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. Employers are most frequently involved in the following types of sexual harassment acts: demanding sexual favors in exchange for promotions, creating a sexually offensive work environment, and making sexual advances.

How does New York Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Dutchess County employers may be required to formulate company policies concerning sexual conduct and post them for employees to see. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of procedures to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.

The laws of the state of New York and federal law have both appointed agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Dutchess County work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. These laws also prohibit employers from firing workers or taking any retaliatory action against workers who have complained of sexual harassment.

How can a New York attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and establish a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. Federal investigators are often very overworked. Thus, hiring a Dutchess County lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of New York.