What to Do If Your Boss Is Harassing You at Work in New York: Your Rights and Legal Options

What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

If your boss asks you out and you say no, they cannot retaliate against you. If they start treating you differently, take away your job duties, or make you uncomfortable at work—this could be quid pro quo sexual harassment.

Quid pro quo (Latin for “this for that”) means your job—or any benefit of your job—is made contingent on accepting your boss’s advances. That is illegal under both New York State Human Rights Law and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

What Should You Do First?

Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of all incidents: what was said or done, the date, time, place, and who was involved or witnessed the behavior.

Report the Harassment Internally
File a complaint with your company’s Human Resources (HR) department. If your harasser is your supervisor and you’re uncomfortable going to them, go above them or speak with another manager or someone in leadership you trust.

File an External Complaint If Needed
If the company doesn’t take action—or if you’re afraid to report internally—you can reach out to outside agencies:

New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR)
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Both agencies handle workplace harassment complaints, and you can file even if you’ve already been fired or forced to quit due to the harassment.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

In New York, the timeline to file a sexual harassment claim can be as short as one year with the DHR or 300 days with the EEOC—so don’t delay.

If you’re unsure about your situation or need help understanding your rights, you can contact an employment attorney. Legal professionals can guide you through the complaint process and help protect your rights at work.

What to Do If Your Boss Is Harassing You at Work in New York: Your Rights and Legal Options

Are You Being Harassed at Work by Your Boss in New York? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your boss is harassing you at work—especially after you’ve turned down a romantic or sexual advance—you are not alone, and you have legal rights, especially under New York State and federal law.

Let’s break this down in simple terms.

What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

What Should You Do First?

Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of all incidents: what was said or done, the date, time, place, and who was involved or witnessed the behavior.
Report the Harassment Internally
File a complaint with your company’s Human Resources (HR) department. If your harasser is your supervisor and you’re uncomfortable going to them, go above them or speak with another manager or someone in leadership you trust.
File an External Complaint If Needed
If the company doesn’t take action—or if you’re afraid to report internally—you can reach out to outside agencies:
- New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR)
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Both agencies handle workplace harassment complaints, and you can file even if you’ve already been fired or forced to quit due to the harassment.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

In New York, the timeline to file a sexual harassment claim can be as short as one year with the DHR or 300 days with the EEOC—so don’t delay.

Need Help Now?

If you’re dealing with harassment at work and aren’t sure what to do, we’re here to help. Reach out today for a confidential consultation.