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Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

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Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
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A Nation-Leading Anti-Sexual Harassment Agenda

New York State is leading the nation with new laws to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. On August 12, 2019, legislation was signed that strengthened protections against discrimination and harassment under the New York State Human Rights Law. These protections supplement the laws that the Governor signed in April 2019 as part of the 2019 Women's Agenda.

Attention New York City Employers: The New York City Commission on Human Rights has launched an online training program for employers based in New York City that is compliant with New York State requirements. Go to the training program.

Proposed 2023 Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy

New York has developed an even stronger Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy thanks to valuable feedback from workers, employers and the public. The proposed comprehensive policy is now available for review and final feedback during a 30 day comment period beginning January 12, 2023 and ending February 11, 2023.

Proposed Model Policy Comment on Policy

Overview of Laws

Protections from Harassment
The Human Rights Law now protects victims of harassment, including sexual harassment, in important new ways such as ensuring that harassment does not need to be severe or pervasive to be against the law.
Model Sexual Harassment Policy and Training For All Employers
Beginning in October 2018, Employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and training or use a similar policy and training that meet or exceeds the law’s minimum standards.
Statute of Limitations Extended
Effective August 12, 2020, the statute of limitations for filing a sexual harassment complaint with the Division of Human Rights is extended from one year to three years.

Sexual Harassment Policy Public Hearing

Watch New York State's in-person public hearing, which was held on September 15, 2022, to hear feedback regarding the state's Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBz9trdfHV4

Protection Against Sexual Harassment

Confidential Hotline

Call 1-800-HARASS-3

People experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace may use the free and confidential hotline to connect with pro-bono attorneys on sexual harassment issues, or submit a complaint.

Submit a Complaint

Where to Find Support

The following organizations provide resources and services related to sexual harassment and discrimination. This list is not a comprehensive list of New York organizations who provide resources and services related to sexual harassment and discrimination:

A Better Balance's free, legal helpline offers confidential information to workers about workplace rights, including sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, breastfeeding and work-family issues. Contact them at (212) 430-5982 or [email protected]

NOW NYC Helpline offers referrals for callers needing help with employment discrimination, divorce and custody, financial empowerment, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. Contact them at http://nownyc.org/service-fund/get-help/ or (212) 627-9895

New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service at www.nysba.org or (800) 342-3661

www.LawHelpNY.org: Legal information for New Yorkers who cannot afford an attorney.

Legal Momentum Equality Works Program: Litigation against employers who have maintained or practiced discrimination. Contact at www.legalmomentum.org or (212) 925-6635

City Bar Justice Center: http://www.citybarjusticecenter.org or (212) 626-7373 or 7383

Lambda Legal: www.lambdalegal.org or (866) 542-8336

Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, https://nwlc.org/legal-assistance/

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