Sexual Harassment Workplace Hotline Launches in New York
The New York State Division of Human Rights today announced that it is launching a statewide hotline dedicated to helping those sexually harassed in the workplace.
1-800-HARASS-3 (1-800-427-2773), is the new number for the hotline launched today across the state of New York, for issues of workplace sexual harassment. The confidential hotline will be operated by the New York State Division of Human Rights and will connect workers who have faced sexual harassment with experienced pro-bono attorneys to advise them.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said via a press release:
Every worker deserves access to resources to protect themselves from sexual harassment...New York State has taken action to make the workplace safer, more respectful, and more collaborative, and we will never stop working to support survivors and eliminate the scourge of sexual harassment.
The seeds of the new hotline were planted back in March of this year when Governor Hochul signed into law S.812B/A.2035B. The legislation amended New York’s Human Rights Law (NY Exec. Law § 295) and required the establishment of a state-wide toll-free confidential hotline for workplace sexual harassment complaints.
The new hotline provides all workers in New York State with free guidance to help them deal with the issues of sexual harassment. All of the state agencies involved worked hand in hand, to help recruit the volunteer pro bono attorneys who will participate in this new initiative.
Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria L. Imperial said;
Sexual harassment has a devastating impact and is difficult to face alone. We will work to ensure that every New Yorker is able to take full advantage of their rights and protections under the Human Rights Law.