Experienced New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Last updated on April 1, 2025
In 2023, New York enacted significant changes to its sexual harassment laws, expanding the rights of employees and holding employers to higher standards of accountability.
At Sutton Sachs Meyer PLLC, we understand how distressing sexual harassment can be. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing the legal guidance you need to protect your rights and hold harassers accountable.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of unlawful discrimination that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment. This misconduct may occur between colleagues, supervisors, subordinates or even third parties such as clients or vendors. Importantly, harassment does not have to be directed at a specific person to be unlawful – it can be pervasive behavior that contributes to a toxic work culture.
Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Unwelcome physical contact such as touching, groping or brushing up against someone
- Sexual comments or jokes that are inappropriate or offensive
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits or promotions
- Sharing sexually explicit materials, including emails, images, videos or printed materials
- Repeated and unwelcome romantic advances, even after being rejected
- Sexual innuendos, suggestive remarks or offensive questions about an individual’s sex life or appearance
- Threatening or retaliating against someone who rejects sexual advances or reports harassment
Harassment can affect anyone, regardless of gender and can occur between colleagues, supervisors or even third parties like clients. The inappropriate behavior does not have to be aimed at a specific person – it can still be considered harassment if it impacts an employee’s ability to work.
Types Of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace falls into the following categories:
- Hostile work environment: This occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct is so severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or offensive work environment.
- Quid pro quo: When a supervisor or someone in a position of power requests sexual favors in exchange for job benefits or protection from negative employment actions.
- Unwelcome sexual advances: Persistent and unwelcome romantic or sexual overtures, especially after the recipient has made it clear they are not interested.
We can help assess your case, gather evidence and file a complaint with the appropriate agencies or courts.
What To Do If You Have Experienced Sexual Harassment In New York
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, follow these steps:
- Document the harassment
- Report the harassment
- Gather supporting evidence such as emails, text messages or witness statements
- File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the New York State Division of Human Rights
- Consult an attorney experienced in workplace sexual harassment cases to help you understand your rights and legal options
Our attorney can guide you through each step, helping ensure you take the appropriate legal action while protecting yourself from retaliation.
Recent Updates To New York’s Sexual Harassment Laws
New York Labor Law Section 201-g(1)(b) mandates that employers adopt the model sexual harassment prevention policy or develop a compliant alternative. The model policy is updated every four years, resulting in the following key changes:
- Expanded definitions: Harassment now includes gender identity and expression.
- Harassment standards: It clarifies that behavior does not need to be severe or pervasive to be considered illegal.
- Bystander intervention: New methods for bystander intervention are outlined to assist witnesses of harassment.
- Remote harassment: Harassment occurring through virtual platforms is recognized as creating a hostile work environment.
- Updated examples: An updated list of examples of sexual harassment is provided, though it is not exhaustive.
These changes were designed to provide employees with more options when facing workplace harassment and to hold employers accountable for creating safe environments.
Contact A New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, Sutton Sachs Meyer PLLC is ready to help. Our team offers dedicated support and guidance through every step of the process. Call us at 212-884-9727 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with a skilled New York City sexual harassment lawyer today.