New York Employment Attorney Blog
A 22-year-old Levittown woman claims her former boss sexually harassed her. In a complaint filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights, the former medical assistant has accused a 70-year-old Long Island physician of wrongful termination. According to the young woman, her former boss made unwanted sexual advances to her at a Plainview restaurant. He allegedly groped the woman, forcibly kissed her, and offered her an increase in her salary in exchange for sexual favors. The 22-year-old also claims her former employer made inappropriate comments about her body and professed his love for her.
After the woman rebuffed the doctor’s alleged sexual advances, she claims he began berating her at work and complained about her performance to an office manager. Eventually, the young woman was fired. The woman reportedly believes the doctor has also provided negative employment references since her termination because she has not been successful in finding new employment.
It appears that the former medical assistant’s employer attempted to engage in sexual coercion. Sexual coercion is a type of sexual harassment that involves any behavior used to persuade or manipulate another person to engage in sexual activity. Unfortunately, situations like this are common in New York and across the nation. According to data from the United States Department of Labor, more than 70 percent of workers throughout the country have experienced sexual coercion at work. Additionally, workplace sexual harassment may occur when a boss makes promotion and other decisions based on a worker’s response to unwelcome sexual advances. An employee may be threatened with demotion, termination, or other consequences for refusing his or her employer’s sexual advances.
Too often, workplace sexual harassment results in a hostile work environment. Such an environment generally occurs when workers are subjected to unwanted physical contact or statements that unreasonably interfere with their ability to properly perform all required job duties. In addition, a hostile work environment may exist when a worker is offended or intimidated by inappropriate workplace behavior.
In the State of New York, sexual harassment is generally considered a form of gender discrimination. Workers who suffered sexual harassment may be able to recover financial compensation from their employer due to the harm inflicted upon them. If you were sexually harassed by your boss or a co-worker, you are advised to discuss your rights with a quality employment lawyer.
The hardworking attorneys at Phillips & Associates represent the victims of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination in New York City and surrounding areas. At Phillips & Associates, our caring lawyers will fight to protect your rights at the municipal, state, and federal levels. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a capable advocate, please call our dedicated attorneys at (212) 248-7431 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Case Demonstrates Dangers of Pregnancy Discrimination in New York and Elsewhere, New York Employment Attorney Blog, July 5, 2013
Complaint Against Hospital Highlights the Prevalence of Pregnancy Discrimination in New York and Nationwide, New York Employment Attorney Blog, June 28, 2013
Additional Resources:
L.I. Woman Says She Was Wrongfully Fired After Rejecting Ex-Boss’ Sexual Advances, newyork.cbslocal.com