It is unfortunate that, in this day in age, sexual harassment in the workplace is still a prevalent issue. You must look out for yourself and your coworkers by reporting any signs of harassment that you witness. Read on to discover what steps you should take if you were sexually harassed at work and how a seasoned New York sexual harassment lawyer at Bell Law Group can support you during this difficult time.
What constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace?
You must be aware that New York State and New York City Human Rights Law protects you from discrimination, including sexual harassment, in the workplace. It is understandable if you do not initially realize that you are being sexually harassed at your place of work, as some signs may be difficult to pinpoint. Nonetheless, you must pick up on the following indications:
- A manager or coworker makes sexually offensive or suggestive comments or gestures toward you.
- A manager or coworker makes sexualized remarks about your appearance to you.
- A manager or coworker tells sexual jokes to you.
- A manager or coworker makes unwanted advances on you.
- A manager or coworker makes unwanted touches, pinches, or leers on you.
- A manager or coworker has sexually provocative objects or pictures hanging in their workspace.
What actions should I take if I am sexually harassed at work?
If you want to make a sexual harassment claim against the negligent party, there are certain procedures that you must follow. They are as follows:
- Take photos and videos that capture the incident of sexual harassment playing out.
- Take photos and videos of the injuries and damages you incurred from the incident.
- Collect medical records and bills that show the seriousness and cost of the injuries and damages you incurred from the incident.
- Gather oral or written testimonies from witnesses who saw how the incident played out.
- Gather oral or written testimonies from loved ones who saw how the incident negatively impacted your personal life.
- Report the incident to your supervisor or the Human Resources Department at your company.
- Report the incident to the New York City Commission on Human Rights at 212-416-0197.
- Report the incident to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 1-800-669-6820.
Importantly, it is illegal for an employer to take action against you after reporting a sexual harassment incident. So, you should not refrain from coming forward with your complaint out of fear that you will be demoted, terminated, or otherwise treated poorly during work hours.
But suppose you do end up being mistreated. In that case, you must take the initiative and reach out to a competent New York employee rights lawyer at your earliest possible convenience. Our team at Bell Law Group will be happy to serve you.
