On July 19, 2022, the New York State Division of Human Rights (“NYSDHR”) established a confidential hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3 which allows individuals to report complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace and provide legal assistance to New York employees.
Specifically, employees in New York State may now call 1-800-HARASS-3 (1-800-427-2773) for issues relating to workplace sexual harassment during regular business hours and receive information about how to file a sexual harassment complaint with the NYSDHR. The hotline will be operated by staff at the Division’s Office of Sexual Harassment Issues who will provide the callers with information about filing a sexual harassment complaint with the NYSDHR. Callers will also be given the option to be connected to a pro bono attorney who may provide further immediate counsel related to sexual harassment.
Pursuant to the new law, employers are required to include information about the hotline in any materials that employers are required to post or provide to employees regarding sexual harassment. New York employers therefore must revise their anti-harassment policies and any other materials distributed to employees related to sexual harassment in the workplace (including training materials, workplace posters, and employee handbooks), promptly to include this information.
The language to include in such policies and materials could be as simple as:
“New York workers may call the New York State Division of Human Rights toll-free, confidential sexual harassment hotline at 1-800-427-2773 during regular business hours to receive legal counsel and information about filing a sexual harassment complaint in New York.”
We expect New York state will issue further guidance regarding the hotline, and we will provide an update as soon as there are any developments. Should you need any assistance in updating your anti-harassment materials or if you have any other questions, please contact ALG.