This week, on July 19, 2022, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a statewide hotline, 1-800-HARASS-3 (1-800-427-2773), for issues of workplace sexual harassment. The confidential hotline will be operated by the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) and will connect workers who have faced sexual harassment with experienced pro-bono attorneys to advise them.
The hotline is the result of a law passed in March 2022 that requires the NYSDHR to work with the New York State Department of Labor (NY DOL) to ensure that information on the hotline is included in any materials employers must post or provide to employees regarding sexual harassment. Earlier this month, we shared news that the NY DOL will be updating the state’s Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy. Employers should expect to see reference to the hotline in the new model policy and in minimum statewide requirements for sexual harassment prevention policies.