Reporting sexual assault in the workplace is not just a legal decision. It is a personal one. Many employees worry about what will happen after they speak up. Will their job be at risk? Will leadership believe them? Will they be pushed out quietly for raising an issue no one wants to address?
Those concerns are real, and they are common. New York law recognizes that fear and provides strong protections for employees who report sexual assault at work. Understanding those protections, and knowing how to report safely, can help you take the next step on your own terms.
At Mizrahi Kroub LLP, our New York workplace sexual assault attorneys help employees navigate this process with care, discretion, and a clear focus on protecting their rights.
Your Rights After Workplace Sexual Assault
Employers in New York are legally required to provide a workplace free from sexual assault and harassment. That obligation includes responding promptly and appropriately when misconduct is reported.
You also have the right to report sexual assault without retaliation. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, reduced hours, negative performance reviews, isolation, or the creation of a hostile work environment after you come forward. If that happens, it may give rise to additional legal claims.
Steps to Report Sexual Assault Safely
Every situation is different, and there is no single right way to report. These steps can help protect you as you move forward.
Document What You Can
If you are able, write down what happened, including dates, times, locations, and the names of anyone involved or who may have witnessed the conduct. Save any emails, messages, or other communications related to the incident. Documentation can become important later, even if you are not ready to take action right away.
Speak With a Workplace Sexual Assault Attorney
Before reporting internally, many employees choose to speak with a New York workplace sexual assault attorney. A confidential conversation can help you understand your options, the risks, and how to report in a way that protects your position and your privacy.
Review Internal Reporting Options
Most employers have policies outlining how to report sexual misconduct. This may involve human resources, a supervisor, or a designated compliance contact. If the person involved is a supervisor or manager, or if you do not feel safe reporting internally, an attorney can help you consider alternatives.
Consider External Reporting When Necessary
If internal reporting is ineffective or inappropriate, complaints may be filed with agencies such as the New York State Division of Human Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These agencies investigate workplace sexual misconduct and retaliation. Deadlines apply, so timing matters.
Protection From Retaliation Under New York Law
New York provides some of the strongest anti retaliation protections in the country. Employers are prohibited from punishing employees for reporting sexual assault or participating in an investigation.
If retaliation occurs, it can significantly strengthen your legal position. In many cases, the employer’s response after a report becomes as important as the underlying misconduct itself.
How Mizrahi Kroub LLP Supports New York Employees
Mizrahi Kroub LLP is a full service, plaintiff side employment law firm based in New York City’s Financial District. Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of collective experience to employment and workplace misconduct cases. We have successfully resolved over 5,000 cases and recovered more than 1 billion dollars for our clients. We understand how sensitive these situations are and how high the stakes can be. Our team helps by:
- Explaining your rights clearly and confidentially
- Advising on safe reporting strategies
- Protecting against retaliation
- Holding employers accountable when they fail to act
Our goal is to give you control, clarity, and protection at every step.
Speak With New York Workplace Sexual Assault Attorneys
If you experienced sexual assault at work and are unsure how to report it, or if you are worried about retaliation, you do not have to handle this alone. Support and legal protection are available.
Contact Mizrahi Kroub LLP to speak with experienced New York workplace sexual assault attorneys. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what comes next, on your timeline and with your rights protected.
