New York Sexual Harassment Attorney
No one should have to endure sexual harassment in the workplace. This type of behavior is specifically prohibited under state statutes and federal law. If you have been subjected to sexual harassment on the job, contact Moore Kuehn right away. Our New York attorneys are tough advocates for sexual harassment victims.
Why Choose Moore Kuehn?
- We offer a free and confidential case evaluation in which we can tell you if have a case and explain your options under the law.
- You pay us no fees unless we win your case. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis.
- When we represent you in a sexual harassment matter, we will always put your needs first and tailor our legal strategies to meet them.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment can be defined as behavior characterized by making physical advances, requests for sexual favors, or unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks in the workplace or another professional or social situation. As stated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), harassment may include offensive remarks about a person’s sex generally. Both the harasser and the victim can be a man or a woman, and both can be the same sex.
When Is Sexual Harassment Illegal?
Simple teasing, offhand comments, and isolated minor incidents are not prohibited under the law, according to the EEOC. However, harassment is illegal when it is severe or frequent enough to create a hostile or offensive work environment, or when it results in an adverse employment decision, such as firing or demotion of the victim.
Federal Law Providing Protection from Sexual Harassment
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides protection against sexual harassment. As stated by the EEOC, this federal law applies to employers with 15 employees or more, including local and state governments. Title VII also applies to labor organizations, employment agencies, and the federal government.
New York Sexual Harassment Laws
Both the State of New York and New York City have sexual harassment laws. On the state level, protections against sexual harassment are embodied in New York State Human Rights Law. Prohibitions against sexual harassment are also contained in Title 8 of the New York City Administrative Code.
Forms of Sexual Harassment
There are two categories of sexual harassment with the EEOC and under the New York Human Rights Law:
- Quid Pro Quo: The literal meaning of the Latin phrase “quid pro quo” is something for something. It means that something is given for something in return. For example, an employee may be told that he or she is more likely to be promoted if his or her immediate supervisor is granted sexual favors. It may also be quid pro quo sexual harassment if an employee rejects sexual advances from a boss or supervisor and is suddenly demoted or fired.
- Hostile workplace: This type of sexual harassment involves unwelcome physical or verbal sexual conduct that unreasonably interferes with the ability of the victim to perform his or her job duties or creates an intimidating or offensive work environment.
Get In Touch with Our Firm Today
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, first follow your employer’s guidelines for reporting it to protect yourself from retaliation. Then call Moore Kuehn as soon as possible. Our experienced New York sexual harassment attorneys can provide the sound legal guidance and quality representation you need.