New York Harassment Laws - All You Need To Know

Harassment is a pervasive issue that affects individuals in every aspect of life, from the workplace to public spaces. In New York, lawmakers have taken steps to address this issue by implementing robust harassment laws to protect citizens from unwanted and abusive behavior. These laws are designed to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. In this article, Eastcoastlaws.com will explore the New York harassment laws, their scope, and how they protect individuals from harassment. We will also discuss the consequences of violating these laws and the avenues available for victims to seek justice. With this information, readers will gain a better understanding of their rights and protections under New York’s harassment laws.

Table of Contents

What Is Harassment

Harassment is defined as any unwanted and repeated behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the victim. This behavior can take many forms, including verbal, physical, or written communication, and may involve threats, insults, humiliation, or unwanted advances. Harassment can occur in any setting, including the workplace, schools, public spaces, and online.

Examples of harassment can include sexual harassment, which involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment can also take the form of discrimination, such as racial or gender-based harassment, and bullying, which involves repeated acts of aggression or intimidation.

Harassment can have serious consequences for the victim, including emotional distress, loss of self-esteem, and even physical harm. It is essential to recognize and address harassment when it occurs to create a safe and respectful environment for all individuals.

Is Harassment A Crime In NY?

Yes, harassment is a crime in New York. The state of New York has laws that criminalize harassment and provides legal protections for victims of harassment. In New York, harassment can be prosecuted as a criminal offense or as a civil lawsuit.

Under New York law, harassment can be classified as a violation, a misdemeanor, or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense. The penalties for harassment can include fines, imprisonment, and community service. The exact penalties will depend on the circumstances of the case and the level of offense.

Additionally, victims of harassment in New York have the right to file a civil lawsuit against their harasser seeking damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other harm caused by the harassment.

Overall, harassment is taken very seriously in New York, and individuals who engage in harassing behavior can face severe legal consequences. If you or someone you know is being harassed, it is essential to seek help from a trusted authority, such as law enforcement or a legal professional, to ensure that your rights are protected.

Overview Of New York Harassment Laws

New York State law prohibits harassment, which is defined as any conduct intended to annoy, threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person. Harassment can be physical, verbal, or written and can occur in a variety of settings, including the workplace, school, and online.

Under New York State law, there are two types of harassment: “harassment in the first degree,” which is a criminal offense, and “harassment in the second degree,” which is a violation. Harassment in the first degree involves physical contact and carries more severe penalties, while harassment in the second degree does not involve physical contact.

New York also has specific laws that address sexual harassment, which is a form of harassment based on sex or gender. These laws require employers to provide a workplace free from sexual harassment and provide protections for employees who report harassment.

Overall, New York has comprehensive harassment laws designed to protect individuals from harassment in various forms and settings.

What Is Legally Considered Harassment In New York?

Harassment is defined as engaging in behavior with the goal to annoy, threatening, or significantly alarming another person. The claimed behavior may be considered a violation-level offense, a misdemeanor, or even a felony, depending on its seriousness. To determine the gravity of a prospective accusation, law enforcement looks at the actions of both the accused and the other party. Any harassment must be taken seriously. The claimed victims may seek protective orders barring contact with the defendant for a violation-level offense or attempt to evict the defendant from a shared residence.

First Degree Harassment

First-degree harassment occurs when a person willfully and regularly harasses another person by following in public or engaging in conduct that places the person in reasonable fear of injury. Harassment in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor.

Second Degree Harassment

When someone hits someone else, tries to or threatens to do so, pursues someone in public, or behaves in a way that substantially bothers or alarms someone else while serving no legitimate purpose, that behavior constitutes second-degree harassment. An offense is a second-degree harassment. Infractions that result in a fee but no jail sentence are called violations.

Aggravated Harassment In The First Degree

With the aim to harass, irritate, threaten, or scare another person because of their alleged race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation, severe harassment in the first degree occurs. It occurs when someone draws or otherwise affixes a swastika to a building, public or private, hangs a noose anyplace, public or private, without the express consent of the property owner, or lights a cross on fire in plain sight.

It may also occur if someone has a prior conviction for the same act or destroys property that is largely used for religious purposes and the damage exceeds $50. A class E felony is first-degree severe harassment.

Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree

With the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or scare another person, aggravated harassment in the second degree occurs. It typically occurs when they contact a person, whether or not they do so anonymously, by phone, mail, or other written communication, in a way that is likely to annoy or scare them. Also, they may strike, attempt to strike, or threaten to strike a person based on their perceived ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. They may even make phone calls without a legitimate business reason. They repeatedly bother others and may even hit them, causing harm to them. A class A misdemeanor is second-degree severe harassment.

Harassment Charges And Penalties In New York

The severity of harassment charges varies by state in New York since they are based on harassing behaviors. According to New York Penal Law, harassment offenses are punishable by jail time, fines, or both. This is a summary of the fines that may be imposed in various circumstances:

First-degree Harassment

Up to three months in prison
One-year probation
A fine of up to $500

Second-degree Harassment

15 days in prison

Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree

Up to four years in prison
A fine of up to $5,000

Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree

Up to one year in jail
Three-year probation
A fine of up to $1,000

Third-degree stalking is a distinct crime under New York harassment laws, defined as harassing someone while acting in a way that causes the victim to fear physical harm, sexual assault, death, or kidnapping. A victim or a member of their family may be the focus of stalking. Third-degree stalking is a class A misdemeanor that carries a year in jail and three years of probation as a penalty.

Statute Of Limitation For Harassment In New York

In New York, the statute of limitations for harassment varies depending on the specific type of harassment and the context in which it occurred. Here are some of the most common types of harassment and their corresponding statutes of limitations:

Sexual harassment in the workplace: Under New York State law, individuals have three years from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR). Under New York City law, individuals have three years from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR). Additionally, individuals have 300 days from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Non-sexual harassment in the workplace: Under New York State law, individuals have three years from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the NYSDHR. Under New York City law, individuals have one year from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the NYCCHR.
Sexual harassment outside of the workplace: Under New York State law, individuals have three years from the date of the harassment to file a lawsuit in court. Under New York City law, individuals have one year from the date of the harassment to file a complaint with the NYCCHR.

It’s important to note that these statutes of limitations may be subject to certain exceptions and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Additionally, it’s generally recommended to take action and report harassment as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the statute of limitations is about to expire.

Sexual Harassment Laws In New York

Gender discrimination takes the form of sexual harassment. Included are inappropriate verbal, written, or physical acts that are sexual or that you feel you must put up with in order to keep your employment. To qualify as sexual harassment under state or federal law, the conduct must be serious or pervasive, interfere with your work performance, and foster an intimidating, hostile, or unpleasant work environment. The only need for sexual harassment under the New York City Human Rights Code is to demonstrate that you were treated differently from other people of your gender.

An employee may experience sexual harassment at work in a variety of ways. The harasser can be a male or woman, a coworker, or even someone who is not an employee. Sexual comments, sexual jokes, sexual recommendations, pressure to go out on dates, sexual touching, sexual gestures, and/or sexual graffiti are all examples of sexual harassment that might be verbal, physical, or visual.

Whether you are the victim, merely a bystander, or any other impacted party, you have the right to report sexual harassment. If you do report sexual harassment of you or another person to your employer, you have the right not to face retaliation from them.

Here are some examples of sexual harassment:

Your boss makes it clear that if you have sex with him or her, you will get a promotion.
Your co-workers send pornographic images or sexually explicit jokes to each other by email. Your employer knows about it, puts up with it, and does nothing to stop it.
A co-worker touches your body for no reason and without invitation.
An important client tells jokes that are insulting to women whenever he visits the office, and your employer says it’s just the price of having him as a client.
A supervisor makes insulting remarks about the abilities and physical appearance of older female employees.
A co-worker hangs pictures and posters in her work space that are sexually suggestive.
Your supervisor is sexually flirtatious with another employee in front of you and your co-workers.

How Can I Pursue a Sexual Harassment Claim In New York?

Both local, state, and federal legislation prohibits sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. Demands for sex as a requirement for work, often known as quid pro quo harassment, are one form of sexual harassment. Unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, any verbal or physical conduct, written messages, or visual displays that are so offensive, intimidating, or abusive that they interfere with a person’s ability to do their job properly constitute another type of harassment known as a hostile work environment.

It is important to note that claims are handled differently under city, state, and federal law. First, the sexual harassment provisions of the New York State Human Rights Code apply to all employers, but Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 only applies to companies with 15 or more employees. Moreover, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission allegation must be made before bringing a Title VII action. The offended employee has the right to ask for a “right to sue” letter and pursue a lawsuit in federal court if the EEOC does not resolve the allegation within six months.

This requirement is not included under New York State law. A disgruntled employee has the option of filing a claim with the state’s Division of Human Rights or going straight to state court. An employee who was fired denied a raise or a promotion, or otherwise punished for reporting sexual harassment may be given back pay if the lawsuit is successful. Salary, bonuses, paid time off, and the monetary worth of perks like health insurance and retirement benefits are all included in back pay. Attorney fees and court costs may also be awarded, along with compensatory and punitive damages, depending on the specifics of the case.

Also, an employer is prohibited from disciplining an employee, giving them a poor assessment, firing them, reducing their pay, demoting them, or participating in a sexual harassment claim. State and federal law forbids even more subtle kinds of retribution, such as switching work shifts or job duties or acting hostile toward a complainant by managers, supervisors, or coworkers. A worker who experiences either kind of retaliation may also be entitled to legal recourse.

It is important to note that the New York State Human Rights Law’s harassment provisions recently underwent a number of amendments that went into effect immediately. Employers are now specifically subject to liability for sexually harassing independent contractors and other non-employees. Moreover, arbitration clauses requiring the arbitration of sexual harassment accusations are no longer permissible in employment agreements. And finally, sexual harassment training must be conducted yearly and a written sexual harassment policy must be distributed to all employees by firms with 15 or more employees. You would be wise to consult with one of our knowledgeable employment law experts to be sure your company is adhering to these standards.

Workplace Harassment Laws In New York

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on individuals and organizations. In New York, there are various laws and regulations in place to protect employees from workplace harassment. These laws define what constitutes workplace harassment and provide legal recourse for victims.

New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) is the primary law that prohibits harassment in the workplace. It applies to all employers in the state, regardless of the size of the company. The law prohibits harassment based on a person’s race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, and other protected characteristics.

Harassment is defined as any unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s protected characteristics that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. This can include verbal or physical abuse, threats, offensive jokes, or any other behavior that creates an intimidating or offensive workplace environment.

In addition to NYSHRL, New York City has its own anti-harassment laws, known as the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act. This law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide annual anti-sexual harassment training to all employees. It also requires employers to post a notice informing employees of their rights under the law.

Under both NYSHRL and the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act, victims of harassment can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Employers found to have engaged in harassment can be held liable for damages, including compensatory and punitive damages.

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on individuals and organizations. New York has comprehensive laws and regulations in place to protect employees from harassment and provide legal recourse for victims. Employers in the state should take these laws seriously and take steps to ensure that their workplaces are free from harassment. This can include providing training to employees, implementing clear policies and procedures for addressing harassment complaints, and taking swift action when harassment is reported. By doing so, employers can create a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

Cyberbullying And Cyber-Harassment Laws In New York

Cyberbullying and cyber-harassment are growing problems in our increasingly digital world. In New York, there are laws and regulations in place to protect individuals from these forms of harassment. These laws define what constitutes cyberbullying and cyber-harassment and provide legal recourse for victims.

Under New York law, cyberbullying is defined as any communication through electronic means that is intended to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another person. Cyber-harassment is similar but involves communication that is not necessarily intended to cause harm but still has a harmful effect on the victim.

New York State law prohibits cyberbullying and cyber-harassment of minors. It also requires schools to have policies in place to prevent and address cyberbullying. Schools are required to investigate complaints of cyberbullying and take appropriate disciplinary action against students who engage in this behavior.

In addition to state laws, New York City has its own laws and regulations regarding cyberbullying and cyber-harassment. The city’s Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses. This includes cyberbullying and cyber-harassment.

Victims of cyberbullying and cyber-harassment in New York can seek legal recourse through civil and criminal courts. Individuals who engage in cyberbullying or cyber-harassment can be held liable for damages, including compensatory and punitive damages.

To prevent cyberbullying and cyber-harassment, individuals should be aware of the laws and regulations in place and take steps to protect themselves. This can include reporting any incidents to authorities and taking steps to safeguard personal information online. Schools, parents, and employers can also play a role in preventing cyberbullying and cyber-harassment by implementing clear policies and procedures and providing education and training on these issues.

Harassment And Discrimination Based On Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Age, And Disability

Harassment and discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability are serious issues that can have a significant impact on individuals and society as a whole. In New York, there are laws and regulations in place to protect individuals from these forms of harassment and discrimination.

Under New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), it is illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, or other protected characteristics. Discrimination can occur in various settings, including the workplace, housing, and public accommodations.

Harassment based on these protected characteristics is also prohibited under NYSHRL. This includes any conduct that is intended to annoy, threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person and creates a hostile or abusive environment.

In addition to NYSHRL, New York City has its own anti-discrimination laws. The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) prohibits discrimination based on all the protected characteristics covered under NYSHRL, as well as other characteristics such as caregiver status, partnership status, and status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses.

Victims of harassment and discrimination based on these protected characteristics can seek legal recourse through civil courts or file complaints with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Employers found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment can be held liable for damages, including compensatory and punitive damages.

Defenses Against Harassment Claims In New York

Harassment claims in New York can be serious, and employers or individuals accused of harassment may have defenses available to them. These defenses are designed to challenge the allegations made by the plaintiff and, if successful, can prevent the plaintiff from recovering damages or being successful in their claim. Here are some common defenses against harassment claims in New York:

Lack of Evidence: One of the most common defenses against harassment claims is that the plaintiff has not provided sufficient evidence to prove their allegations. In some cases, the plaintiff may not have any evidence to support their claim, or the evidence may not be credible. Employers may also argue that the alleged harassment was a misunderstanding, and no harassment occurred.
Good Faith: Another defense that employers or individuals may use is that they acted in good faith, believing that their behavior was not harassment. This defense may apply if the individual accused of harassment was unaware that their behavior was unwelcome or if they believed that their behavior was appropriate or harmless.
Legitimate Non-Discriminatory Reason: An employer may argue that the alleged harassment was not based on a protected characteristic, such as race or gender, but was instead based on a legitimate non-discriminatory reason. For example, if an employee was disciplined or terminated for poor performance, and they later claimed harassment, the employer may argue that the disciplinary action was based on the employee’s poor performance rather than any protected characteristic.
Statute of Limitations: New York has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a harassment claim. An employer may argue that the plaintiff waited too long to file their claim, and it should be dismissed based on the statute of limitations.
Consent: Finally, an employer or individual may argue that the alleged harassment was consensual. This defense is generally only applicable if the plaintiff initiated the behavior and then later claimed harassment.

It’s important to note that defenses against harassment claims can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the law. It’s recommended that employers or individuals accused of harassment seek the advice of an experienced attorney who can help determine the best course of action. Additionally, it’s crucial to have policies and training in place to prevent harassment and ensure that all employees understand what behavior is unacceptable and how to report harassment if it does occur.

Impact Of Harassment On Victims In New York

Harassment can have a profound impact on victims in New York, both in terms of their emotional well-being and their ability to function in their personal and professional lives. Here are some of the ways that harassment can affect victims in New York:

Emotional Distress: Harassment can cause significant emotional distress for victims, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. These emotional effects can have long-lasting consequences and may require ongoing treatment and support.
Damage to Reputation: Harassment can damage a victim’s reputation and standing in their personal and professional communities. This can make it difficult for them to find employment, build relationships, and maintain their social networks.
Loss of Income: Harassment can also impact a victim’s ability to earn a living. They may be forced to take time off from work to deal with the emotional fallout of the harassment, and in some cases, they may even lose their job as a result.
Physical Health: Harassment can also have physical health consequences for victims. They may experience stress-related illnesses, chronic pain, or other physical symptoms as a result of the harassment.
Impact on Relationships: Harassment can also impact a victim’s personal relationships, including their relationships with friends and family members. Victims may withdraw from social situations and may have difficulty trusting others.

Overall, harassment can have a significant and long-lasting impact on victims in New York. It’s important for victims to seek support and resources to help them cope with the effects of harassment and to take steps to hold the harasser accountable for their actions.

Reporting Harassment To Authorities In New York

If you have experienced harassment in New York and want to report it to the authorities, here are some resources and websites that can help you:

New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR): The DHR is responsible for enforcing the state’s anti-discrimination laws, including those related to harassment. You can file a complaint with the DHR online, by phone, or by mail. For more information, visit their website: https://dhr.ny.gov/how-file-complaint.
New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR): The CCHR is responsible for enforcing New York City’s anti-discrimination laws, including those related to harassment. You can file a complaint with the CCHR online, by phone, or in person. For more information, visit their website: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/complaints/file-complaint.page.
New York State Police: If you have experienced sexual harassment or assault, you can report it to the New York State Police. You can find a list of police stations in New York State on their website: https://www.troopers.ny.gov/Contact_Us/.
New York City Police Department (NYPD): If you have experienced sexual harassment or assault in New York City, you can report it to the NYPD. You can find a list of precincts on their website: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/find-your-precinct.page.
New York State Attorney General’s Office: The Attorney General’s Office is responsible for enforcing a wide range of laws related to harassment and discrimination. You can file a complaint online or by mail. For more information, visit their website: https://ag.ny.gov/civil-rights.

It’s important to remember that reporting harassment can be a difficult and emotional process, and you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many resources and support services available in New York, including legal aid organizations and victim assistance programs. For more information, visit the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence website: https://opdv.ny.gov/.

New York Harassment Laws – All You Need To Know

What Is Harassment

Is Harassment A Crime In NY?

Overview Of New York Harassment Laws