The New York State Sexual Harassment Complaint Hotline (toll-free 1.800.427.2773), authorized by law in early 2022, is now open and being operated confidentially by the New York State Division of Human Rights (part of the New York State Department of Labor). Employers, therefore, should add the number to their sexual harassment prevention notices posted in their workplaces and to their sexual harassment prevention policies, and discuss it in sexual harassment prevention training. More guidance on the topic is expected from the New York State Department of Labor.
Counselors on the Hotline will assist callers in getting complaints filed for investigation and/or refer them to pro bono (volunteer) attorneys for legal advice. Callers will still be able to pursue their complaints through the Division of Human Rights process without the need for an attorney, and the pro bono attorneys on the Hotline are not permitted to solicit further representation of the callers.
If you have any questions regarding this article, or if you have any other Labor & Employment Law concerns, please contact the Underberg & Kessler attorney who regularly handles your legal matters or Paul F. Keneally, the author of this piece, here or at (585) 258-2882.