Sexual Harassment in New York

New York Harassment at Work

Sexual harassment is unwanted, unwelcomed, and unrequested attention of a sexual nature. It can also be suggestive behavior, sexual-favor requests and other offensive behavior of a sexual nature made by an employer or co-worker in the workplace.

Types of Sexual Harassment

The US Supreme Court has designated two basic types of unlawful sexual harassment. One results in a substantial workplace action. An example of this would be if a superior harasses an employee with a threat of termination or demotion if they don’t comply with the sexual request. Another type of sexual harassment is called a hostile environment. This can include unfulfilled threats, jokes of a sexual nature, inappropriate comments, or offensive language.

While the law does not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not considered very serious, harassment is illegal when it becomes so frequent it creates an offensive workplace or when it results in an adverse employment decision, such as termination. Regardless, employers are required to investigate and promptly remedy any confirmed act of sexual harassment.

If confronted with sexual harassment by a superior or co-worker, or have a sexual harassment complaint made by an employee, The Watanabe Law Firm, LLC can counsel you on a proper course of action.

Call The Watanabe Law Firm, LLC at 212-486-7005 or use our contact form to review your potential sexual harassment claim.