Trauma Informed Attorney New York

Sexual Assault can impact a victim and her life immeasurably.  The effects of this experience  can be severely traumatizing and often include emotional and physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, Chronic PTSD, insomnia, flashbacks, body recall, dissociation, numbing, substance use disorders and eating disorders, among others. It is critical that a survivor has a trauma-informed attorney to work with her in  her search for justice.

If the harm was caused in the workplace, it is essential to consult an attorney with knowledge of Employment Law to be sure you receive the right help and guidance.

Taking action against the person who caused the harm can bring multiple benefits for the survivor including: a sense of empowerment and control over her own life; compensation for the damages caused to her health, physical and emotional wellbeing, and for pain and suffering; and access to resources for continued progress in her life.

Sexual harassment is a form of gender-based discrimination. It involves unwelcome sexual conduct that:  • Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or • Is used as the basis for hiring or other employment decisions, such as promotions, raises or job assignments; • 

The harasser can be a supervisor, a co-worker or even a non-employee, such as a customer. Under federal law, sexual harassment is unlawful when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or results in an adverse, or negative, employment decision. However, employees in NYC are not required to demonstrate severe or pervasive conduct but simply need to show that the harassment results in their being treated less well than other employees based on their sex.

Sexual Harassment can be physical, verbal or visual.  Examples of sexual harassment include: 

• Sexually offensive comments or "jokes"

• Sexual gestures

• Comments about a person's gender or sexual preferences, whether complimentary or derogatory

• Unwanted groping or touching

• Coerced sexual contact or activity

• Requests for sexual favors 

• Requests of a sexually suggestive nature

• Displays of pornographic images

If you have been subjected to harassment, we can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation. 

Sexual harassment is prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act, New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRS) and the NYC Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). The NYSHRL also protects against harassment based on gender identity and transgender status. The New York State Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) prohibits harassment on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation.