Sexual harassment is defined by New York law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. Employers are most commonly involved in the following forms 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, employers in Elmira are often required to create company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the process for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

There are also agencies which are formed by federal and New York law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Elmira are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to dismiss an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a New York attorney help?

Investigating and showing a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are frequently understaffed and overworked. Thus, hiring an attorney in Elmira can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that New York has defined.