New York Lawyers for Requests for Sex

Manhattan Sexual Harassment Attorneys

If you are the victim of requests for sex in the workplace, contact the New York sexual harassment lawyers at Phillips & Associates. Our attorneys have successfully handled all types of sexual harassment claims, and we are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims subjected to unwelcome requests for sex in the workplace. We proudly represent clients in New York City, and throughout the Tri-State area.

Requests for Sex in the Workplace

People work jobs in order to earn a living. While we would hope that individuals would be able to work their jobs and complete assignments in a peaceful and respectful manner, some fail to behave in socially or legally acceptable ways. One egregious example of this is a form of sexual harassment that occurs when individuals make unwanted propositions to others for sex in the workplace.

Unwanted requests for sex are inappropriate whether they are from a supervisor to a subordinate, or amongst co-workers. And while the most common form of requests for sex may occur between members of the opposite sex, this is not required for such a proposition to be improper. Requests for same-sex relations can also constitute sexual harassment. Additionally, requests don’t have to be for sexual intercourse, but can include anything within the realm of sexual behavior. Further, claims can be brought not only by the target of the request, but by anyone affected by the offensive nature of the conduct, especially if it is pervasive or repeated.

Extreme cases of this kind of conduct can include not only the inappropriate requests themselves, but can also involve other kinds of unwanted physical contact, followed by retaliation and even physical endangerment. For example, in one class action lawsuit, 22 plaintiff workers claimed that their managers and co-workers at a food processing plant repeatedly groped them and made explicit requests for sex. One woman who turned down a supervisor’s request for sex was reportedly locked in a freezer for retaliation. Two other women reported being demoted and fired after refusing to have sex with plant managers. The case was eventually settled out of court.

There does not have to be an economic harm in order for unwanted sexual advances to rise to the level of actionable sexual harassment. The conduct itself is sufficient to rise to the level of a legal violation.

Various Laws Protect You From Unwanted Sexual Advances

In addition to federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, New York’s Human Rights Law makes it unlawful “to discriminate against an individual in compensation, terms or conditions, or privileges of employment” because of the person’s sex. Sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination based on sex because it is often perpetrated on the basis of the victim’s gender. Requests for sex are a form of sexual harassment protected against by gender anti-discrimination rules.

Whether requests are blatantly obvious and explicit, or are more covert and implied, they are still inappropriate and likely unlawful. If you are being subjected to inappropriate requests for sex, you will want to keep the best records that you can of the incidents. In addition to keeping a list of the dates and descriptions of the events, be sure to keep a record of any relevant documentation such as notes, emails, texts, or private messages. This evidence will prove helpful especially if, as is often the case, there are no witnesses to the offenses. Also, be sure to make clear that these advances are unwelcome, both to the perpetrator and to your employer.

Consult a Sexual Harassment Law Firm

Sexual harassment claims are often unpleasant, and requests for sex can be among the most embarrassing to allege and litigate. If you are the victim of unwelcome requests for sex, contact the experienced New York employment discrimination attorneys at Phillips & Associates. We will aggressively prosecute your claim and protect your rights by pursuing your claim before the EEOC, and further if necessary. At Phillips & Associates, our seasoned attorneys have extensive experience litigating sexual harassment and discrimination claims, and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case. Our firm is dedicated to providing high quality legal representation to sexual harassment victims in all areas of New York. Call us today at (866) 229-9441 for a free, confidential consultation or Contact Us online.