During a lunch break at a midtown hotel, a housekeeper told me she had reported a coworker’s comments to her shift lead, then heard nothing. She wanted to know where to turn next and whether a Spanish speaker could help. That conversation shaped this guide. If you need to Report Sexual Harassment in New York, there are clear paths at the state, city, and federal levels, plus a free, confidential hotline that connects you with pro bono attorneys.
Report Sexual Harassment in New York
New Yorkers can take several routes. You can file with the New York State Division of Human Rights, file with the New York City Commission on Human Rights if you work in the five boroughs, or file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. New York also operates a confidential statewide hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3 that connects callers with pro bono attorneys who focus on workplace sexual harassment.
State Path: New York State Division Of Human Rights
The New York State Division of Human Rights (NYS DHR) takes workplace sexual harassment complaints, provides intake help, and does not require you to hire a lawyer. Filing is free. You can submit your application online or visit one of our offices. As of February 15, 2024, you generally have three years to file most discrimination complaints with the Division. Sexual harassment in employment already carried a three-year window for incidents after August 12, 2020.
What to expect: an intake interview, a drafted complaint for your signature, a notice to the employer, an investigation, and a determination. Retaliation is unlawful, including retaliation for making an internal report or contacting the Division.
City Path: NYC Commission On Human Rights
If you work in New York City, you can file with the NYC Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR). Services are free. You can call 311 or 212-416-0197, meet with staff, and begin the complaint process. The time limit is generally one year from the last act of discrimination, or three years for gender-based harassment, which covers sexual harassment. The Commission can request information from your employer and investigate your claim.
Federal Path: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
You can file a charge with the EEOC. The standard deadline is 180 days. Since New York has state and local agencies that enforce anti-discrimination laws, the deadline for most employment claims is extended to 300 days. The EEOC offers an online portal for initiating a charge, and many claims are filed simultaneously with state or local partners.
Confidential Hotline And Free Legal Help
New York operates a free and confidential hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3. Callers are connected with pro bono attorneys who guide them through workplace sexual harassment and provide next steps. The hotline is an easy starting point if you are unsure which agency to contact or you want to talk through your options in private.
What To Document Before You Report
You do not need a perfect file to start; yet, a brief record helps your case. Save dates, times, locations, names, and what was said or done. Keep screenshots of messages and photos of any physical evidence. If you reported internally, note who received it and when. New York’s Human Rights Law prohibits retaliation for filing internally or with an agency, so include any retaliatory acts in your notes as well.
Internal Reporting And Escalation
Use your company’s policy if you feel safe. Report to HR or the designated contact and ask for a written acknowledgment. If the internal path is slow or insecure, you can proceed directly to the NYS DHR, NYCCHR, or the EEOC. You can also call the statewide hotline for confidential advice from pro bono attorneys. These external channels do not require internal approval and are available regardless of whether your company responds.
Timelines At A Glance
For most discrimination claims filed with NYS DHR, you have three years from the alleged act if it occurred on or after February 15, 2024. Sexual harassment in employment already had a three-year filing period at the Division for incidents after August 12, 2020. For NYCCHR, the window for most claims is one year, and for gender-based harassment, it is three years. For the EEOC, the filing window is generally 300 days in New York.
How Training Supports Reporting
Good training does not replace enforcement, but it helps people act early. Annual Sexual Harassment Training in NY clarifies reporting paths, anti-retaliation rules, and bystander skills. Pair policy links with bold anchors that employees recognize, such as Spanish Sexual Harassment Training, New York, NY, Spanish Sexual Harassment Training, Interactive Sexual Harassment Training NY, and Online Spanish Sexual Harassment Training NY. This language makes it easy to find help and reinforces compliance habits on your intranet.
If You Work In New York City
Posters and notices must be visible. NYC publishes training guidance and explains how to contact the Commission for intake. Keep a simple footer on your intranet labeled ‘NYS and NYC Sexual Harassment Training Requirements and Report Sexual Harassment in New York,‘ so people can easily transition from training to action without needing to search for it. The Commission’s site lists phone numbers and explains the interview process.
If You Are A Manager
Managers should share clear steps during onboarding, schedule training promptly, and direct employees to internal and external reporting options without delay. A short manager segment, often referred to as Supervisor Sexual Harassment Training NY, should cover how to receive a report, how to document facts, who to notify, and how to avoid retaliation. Your script should mention the state hotline and agency filing options.
Protecting Yourself After You Report
Keep copies of all submissions, including your certificate or confirmation numbers, as well as the agency’s contact information. If anything happens after your report that appears to be punishment or intimidation, write it down and report it to the agency. Retaliation is barred under state law, and agencies encourage you to raise new facts if they arise while an investigation is open.
Practical Scenarios And Where To Start
You work in Buffalo, and your employer ignored your complaint. Start at NYS DHR and consider the EEOC deadline as a secondary track. You can also call the hotline for legal guidance.
You work in Queens and want an investigator near you. Contact NYCCHR for an intake interview. If your claim involves gender-based harassment, you may have up to three years to file with the Commission.
You are unsure whether the conduct meets the legal threshold. Call 1-800-HARASS-3 to speak with a pro bono attorney who specializes in handling workplace sexual harassment.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Do not wait without tracking deadlines. Do not rely only on verbal reports that leave no trail. Do not post about the incident on social media in ways that reveal confidential information. Use the hotline to discuss strategy. File with the agency that fits your facts, and note that many EEOC charges are dual-filed, which can preserve federal rights while a state or city agency proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can Employees Report Sexual Harassment in New York?
You are asking where to file a report in New York. You can file with the New York State Division of Human Rights anywhere in the state, file with the NYC Commission on Human Rights if you work in the five boroughs, or file with the EEOC. You can also call the confidential 1-800-HARASS-3 hotline for free advice from pro bono attorneys who specialize in handling workplace harassment.
What Is The Deadline To Report Sexual Harassment in New York State, City, Or Federal Agencies?
You are asking about time limits. For NYS DHR, most discrimination complaints have a three-year filing window, and workplace sexual harassment already carries three filing window for incidents after August 12, 2020. For NYCCHR, most claims are filed within one year, while gender-based harassment claims can be filed within three years. For the EEOC, New Yorkers typically have 300 days to file a claim. File sooner if you can.
Can I Get Help in Spanish When Reporting Sexual Harassment in New York?
You are asking about Spanish support. You can request assistance in Spanish when contacting NYS DHR or NYCCHR, and the state hotline connects callers with pro bono attorneys who advise on workplace sexual harassment. Pair your internal training hub with bold links, such as “New York Sexual Harassment Training (Spanish)” and “Sexual Harassment Training Spanish,“ so that speakers can get started quickly.
Do I Have To File Internally Before I Report Sexual Harassment in New York To An Agency?
You are asking whether internal reporting is required first. You can contact NYS DHR, NYCCHR, or the EEOC even if you did not file internally, and the hotline can help you decide the best path. If you do report internally, keep a copy of the report for your records. Retaliation for internal or external complaints is unlawful, so add any new incidents to your record.
What Happens After I Report Sexual Harassment in New York?
You are asking about the process. Agencies begin by conducting intake, drafting a complaint, notifying the employer, and conducting an investigation. They may request documents and interview witnesses. Some cases settle, others proceed to a hearing or court. Keep your notes organized, save acknowledgments, and respond promptly to requests. The state hotline can help you understand each step and your options.
