Work should be a place to advance your career without fear, but a supervisor’s inappropriate advances can create a hostile environment that feels overwhelming to tackle alone.
If you’ve been sexually harassed by your boss, start by documenting the behavior and reporting it to HR. Additionally, consulting with a New York sexual harassment attorney can provide the guidance you need to protect your rights. The law provides protection, and Alex Rissmiller at Rissmiller PLLC can guide you toward the justice you deserve. With a free consultation, we will help you understand your rights and chart a course to reclaim your dignity.
What Should I Do if I Am Sexually Harassed by My Boss?
Experiencing workplace sexual harassment can feel overwhelming. However, these concrete steps can empower you to fight back:
- Know your rights—familiarize yourself with federal, state, and city laws that prohibit sexual harassment;
- Document every incident—write down specific details, including dates, times, locations, and the nature of the harassment;
- Save evidence—keep emails, messages, or other communications that demonstrate inappropriate behavior;
- Report the harassment—notify your HR department or follow your company’s internal procedures to create a record of the harassment;
- Seek legal advice—consult an attorney experienced in New York sexual harassment cases to understand your legal options; and
- File a complaint with the EEOC—if your employer doesn’t resolve the issue, an attorney can help you submit a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Every step you take strengthens your case and shows you are serious about protecting your rights. At Rissmiller PLLC, we will guide you through each step, ensuring your voice is heard.
What Are the Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Understanding the types of sexual harassment is essential to recognize violations of your rights. Harassment can take many forms, including:
- Verbal sexual harassment—comments, jokes, or unwelcome remarks about your appearance or gender;
- Physical harassment—unwanted touching, groping, or other physical advances;
- Quid pro quo harassment—when a supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits; and
- Hostile work environment—a pervasive environment of unwelcome sex-based behavior that interferes with your ability to work.
Each of these forms of harassment is illegal under both federal and New York State law. Under these laws, you can take legal action if you’re experiencing any of these behaviors. We have the experience to evaluate your case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Does Verbal Sexual Harassment Look Like?
Verbal harassment can be as damaging as physical acts. It may include:
- Crude jokes,
- Inappropriate comments about your body, or
- Persistent sexual advances.
For example, a supervisor might repeatedly make suggestive comments during meetings or call you late at night under the guise of discussing work, only to steer the conversation into inappropriate territory. Even subtle or repeated remarks about, for example, your appearance or clothing can contribute to a toxic workplace.
You are not powerless if your boss’s words have crossed the line. Federal and state laws offer clear protections. At Rissmiller PLLC, we clarify these laws, help you gather evidence, and ensure your boss’s actions don’t go unchecked.
What Do I Do If My Boss Is Sexually Harassing Me: Why Legal Representation Matters
Many of our clients often ask, “What do I do if my boss is sexually harassing me?” The first step is seeking the right legal advocate. Here’s how Rissmiller PLLC can help:
- Provide clarity. We will break down the laws protecting you from sexual harassment, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and New York’s Human Rights Law.
- Build your case. We’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and craft a legal strategy tailored to your situation.
- Negotiate on your behalf. If your employer offers a settlement, we will ensure it adequately compensates you for the harm you’ve endured.
- Pursue litigation if necessary. Our experience will be your greatest asset if your case goes to court.
With our guidance, you can confront your boss’s behavior and pursue accountability without fear. Taking action not only secures your own justice but also helps create a workplace where respect and dignity are non-negotiable.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
The statute of limitations refers to the legal deadline for filing your complaint. Under federal law, you typically have 300 days to file a complaint with the EEOC if a state law also covers the claim. However, New York extends additional safeguards through its Human Rights Law, which gives employees up to three years to file a harassment claim in state court. These deadlines are crucial because missing them can bar you from pursuing your case.
Rissmiller PLLC ensures you meet these critical deadlines by helping you take swift, decisive action. From documenting evidence to filing complaints with the proper agencies, we will guide you every step of the way to file your case accurately and on time. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s begin the process of reclaiming your workplace, your peace of mind, and your professional future.
Contact Rissmiller PLLC Today
Rissmiller PLLC is committed to standing up for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, providing compassionate support while fighting tirelessly on your behalf. With Alex Rissmiller’s background representing employees and employers, we know how to navigate the tactics companies may use to minimize or dismiss your claims. We are deeply committed to securing justice, whether through strategic negotiation or litigation. At Rissmiller, we stand by you every step of the way, making your fight our fight.
