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 often 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, North Tonawanda employers can be required to create company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. 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.

Furthermore, federal and New York laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in North Tonawanda to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive 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?

It can be difficult to both investigate and prove a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are frequently understaffed and overworked. Thus, hiring an attorney in North Tonawanda can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that New York has defined.