New York Sexual Harassment Attorney

Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment cases are taken very seriously. Whether it was a co-worker, manager, or a non-employee such as a contractor, client, or vendor, creating a hostile work environment that impedes employee success or performance is considered unlawful sexual harassment.

Besides inappropriate advances, acts such as unwelcome verbal or physical behavior that creates a hostile work setting can also be categorized as sexual harassment, some examples of sexual harassment in the workplace are:

• Exchanging inappropriate videos or pictures, such as vulgar gifs or pornography with co-workers
• Suggestive emails, notes, or letters being exchanged
• Having inappropriate posters or sexual imagery in the workplace
• Discussing sexual material or sharing lewd jokes
• Inappropriate sexual advances or gestures
• Staring or whistling in an offensive or sexually suggestive manner
• Comments about body parts, clothing, or appearance in a sexual manner
• Inappropriately making contact with another person such as pinching, touching, patting, brushing up against or rubbing
• Asking someone invasive questions about their sexual orientation, sexual history, or any other sexual related question
• Making offensive comments about someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation

This is only a few examples of when sexual harassment occurs. At the end of the day, any words or actions with a sexual connotation that creates an uncomfortable atmosphere or impedes an employee’s ability to work is considered sexual harassment. Even another person who overhears the comment and gets affected by it falls under the same scope of sexual harassment.

Can You Sue For Harassment in New York City?

Yes, in New York you have the right to sue for sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment of any kind in the workplace is strictly prohibited and victims have the right to take legal action.

Reasons to File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim

There are two primary reasons why you should pursue a claim if you were the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace:

• Protect Yourself & Others - Someone who commits an act of sexual harassment has most likely done it before and will most likely continue to do it until they are stopped. If your employer has not taken action to put an end to the abuse, filing a claim may force their hand and expose the heinous acts so that you and your fellow employees can be safe.
• Compensation for Damages - Punishing someone who commits sexual harassment is a good first step, but it’s not enough; victims deserve to be compensated for the harm they have suffered. With a sexual harassment claim, you can pursue such damages as back pay and front pay, medical and psychological treatment costs, mental anguish and pain and suffering, and even your legal fees.

Let our experienced sexual harassment attorneys in NYC fight for the justice you deserve.

Myths About Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is not just a woman's problem. Male employees can be victims of sexual harassment as well. Employees may find themselves harassed by a supervisor, manager, CEO, fellow employer, or a non-employee of the opposite or same sex.

An employee can be a victim of sexual harassment whether he or she is directly harassed or is exposed to conduct in the workplace that he or she finds offensive. Even if the subject was not discharged, demoted, or otherwise directly affected as a result, they can have a valid sexual harassment claim if the conduct interfered with their work or led to a threatening or uncomfortable work environment.

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Dedicated Advocacy for New York Employees

From bold sexual advances to subtle remarks that generate a hostile or uncomfortable work environment, sexual harassment is a serious matter that can take on many different forms. Employees in the state of New York are protected from sexual harassment by federal and state laws, in addition to the New York City Human Rights Law.

At Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP, we understand how to defend you if you have been the victim of sexual harassment. Our attorneys have 110 years of combined legal experience. Our Martindale-Hubbell® AV® Peer Review Rated firm has a reputation for dedicated client advocacy and successful representation in sexual harassment cases in New York.