What is Sexual Harassment under New York Law?
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 often 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, Syracuse employers can be required to implement company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. Company polices might include such matters as contact information to be used in reporting sexual harassment, filing procedures, and remedial measures in the event that a claim is proven to be true.
There are also federal and New York laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Syracuse workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire 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?
It can be difficult to both investigate and prove a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Syracuse can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that New York has defined.
