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Sexual Harassment
Standing Up Against Workplace Sexual Harassment in New York
No employee should endure unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace. At Dolce Law PLLC, we provide skilled, compassionate representation to victims of workplace sexual harassment throughout New York City and surrounding areas, helping them obtain justice and appropriate remedies for the harm they’ve experienced.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in employment generally falls into two categories:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
This occurs when job benefits—such as hiring, promotion, continued employment, or favorable working conditions—are conditioned on submission to unwelcome sexual conduct. Examples include:
- A supervisor suggesting that an employee’s job would be secure if they went on a date
- A manager implying that a promotion depends on sexual favors
- A hiring manager offering employment in exchange for sexual conduct
- A supervisor threatening termination if an employee refuses sexual advances
- A boss assigning better shifts or territories in exchange for sexual compliance
Even a single incident of quid pro quo harassment can be legally actionable if it results in a tangible employment action.
Hostile Work Environment Harassment
This occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an objectively and subjectively hostile, abusive, or intimidating work environment. Examples include:
- Unwelcome touching, hugging, or physical contact
- Sexual jokes, comments, or innuendo
- Displaying sexually explicit images
- Making offensive comments about an individual’s body or appearance
- Sending inappropriate emails, texts, or messages
- Asking intrusive questions about someone’s sex life
- Making sexual gestures or lewd suggestions
- Gender-based insults or derogatory comments
- Unwanted repeated requests for dates
- Spreading sexual rumors about colleagues
Sexual Harassment Under New York Law
New York provides robust protections against sexual harassment:
- New York State Human Rights Law protects all employees regardless of company size
- New York City Human Rights Law offers even stronger protections than state or federal law
- NY Labor Law § 201-g requires all employers to adopt sexual harassment prevention policies
- Annual training requirements for all New York employers
- Lower legal threshold than federal law—harassment need not be “severe or pervasive” under NYSHRL or NYCHRL
- Extended statute of limitations of three years for sexual harassment claims under state law
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Sexual Harassment?
Multiple parties may bear legal responsibility:
- Employers are generally liable for harassment by supervisors
- Supervisors and managers may face personal liability under New York law
- Coworkers who engage in harassment
- Third parties such as clients, customers, or vendors in certain circumstances
- Company owners may have personal liability under New York laws
The Impact of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can cause serious harm, including:
- Career damage and economic losses
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
- Physical symptoms and health consequences
- Damage to professional reputation
- Lost opportunities for advancement
- Forced job changes or employment gaps
These impacts often extend well beyond the workplace and may persist long after the harassment ends.
Why Choose Dolce Law PLLC For Your Sexual Harassment Case?
Sexual harassment cases require not only legal expertise but also sensitivity and understanding. At Dolce Law PLLC, we offer:
- Human rights perspective: We approach sexual harassment as a fundamental violation of workplace dignity
- Sensitivity to trauma: We understand the emotional impact of sexual harassment
- Strategic guidance: We develop tailored strategies that protect your professional reputation
- Limited caseload: We intentionally maintain a smaller client roster to provide personalized attention
- Proven results: We have secured significant settlements for sexual harassment victims
- Contingency fee options: Many sexual harassment cases can be handled on a contingency basis
Building a Strong Sexual Harassment Case
Effective sexual harassment claims typically require:
- Documentation: Preserving evidence of harassing conduct
- Reporting: Following proper internal reporting procedures when safe to do so
- Witness identification: Locating others who witnessed the harassment or experienced similar treatment
- Timeline development: Creating a detailed chronology of events
- Damages assessment: Evaluating the full impact of the harassment on your career and wellbeing
- Expert consultation: Working with mental health professionals to document emotional distress
We guide you through each step, helping you build the strongest possible case.
The Sexual Harassment Legal Process
Sexual harassment cases typically involve several stages:
- Initial consultation: We evaluate your situation and discuss potential legal options
- Administrative filings: Many sexual harassment cases require filing with the EEOC or New York State Division of Human Rights before proceeding to court
- Investigation: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case
- Settlement negotiations: Many cases resolve through confidential settlements
- Litigation: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court
Remedies Available in Sexual Harassment Cases
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to:
- Economic damages: Lost wages, benefits, and future earning capacity
- Emotional distress damages: Compensation for psychological harm
- Punitive damages: Additional compensation to punish particularly egregious conduct
- Injunctive relief: Court orders requiring policy changes or specific actions
- Attorneys’ fees and costs: Recoverable in successful cases
Protecting Yourself From Sexual Harassment
If you’re experiencing workplace sexual harassment:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of each incident
- Preserve evidence: Save texts, emails, photos, or other documentation
- Report internally: Follow your employer’s reporting procedure if safe to do so
- Seek support: Confide in trusted colleagues, friends, or counselors
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with company policies and legal protections
- Consider medical attention: Seek care for any psychological or physical symptoms
- Consult with an attorney: Get legal advice before making major decisions
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment
Can sexual harassment occur between people of the same gender?
Yes. Sexual harassment laws protect all employees regardless of gender. Courts have consistently recognized that same-sex harassment is legally actionable.
What if I didn’t report the harassment to my employer?
While reporting is generally recommended, failure to report doesn’t automatically bar your claim, especially if you reasonably feared retaliation or believed reporting would be futile based on company culture or past responses.
Does sexual harassment have to involve physical contact?
No. Sexual harassment includes verbal comments, written communications, visual displays, and environmental factors. Physical contact is not required for a valid claim.
What if the harassment occurred at a work-related social event?
Harassment at work-related social events, conferences, or travel is generally covered under sexual harassment laws, as these are considered extensions of the workplace.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim?
In New York, you generally have three years to file a sexual harassment claim under state law. Federal claims require filing with the EEOC within 300 days. NYC claims must be filed within three years.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, don’t face it alone. Contact Dolce Law PLLC for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
Your right to a harassment-free workplace is protected by law. We’ll help you assert that right.
What clients say
“Your deep understanding of the law and meticulous attention to detail were truly remarkable. You patiently explained complex legal concepts in a way that was easily understandable, empowering me to make informed decisions. I am deeply grateful for the empathy and support you provided throughout the process. Your compassionate approach and genuine concern for my rights as a woman of color alleviated much of the stress and anxiety associated with my case.”
“I truly appreciate your guidance and support in navigating this situation. Your expertise and kindness have made a significant impact, and I’m very grateful for some of the confidence you’ve helped me regain.”
“You have been so attentive and graceful throughout my ordeal and I truly appreciate you. This has been a very difficult time for me… Thank you so much for handling my case with grace and care. I’m excited to breathe a little better now.”
“Thank you so much for your support throughout this process — you and your team have been truly excellent. I appreciate your expertise and continued guidance.”
Your work is our business
Employment laws are complex and ever-changing. You don’t have to navigate them alone. If you’re an employee dealing with a difficult situation at work, we’ll help you solve your problems and achieve your goals.
Don’t let another day cost you your rights.
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