A female officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) claims a superior retaliated against her after she reported a fellow officer for sexually harassing her. According to a discrimination lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, a male officer who also heads an NYPD Society of Officers allegedly invited the woman to his house, made suggestive comments, inappropriately touched, and attempted to massage the female officer while she was employed at the NYPD’s 103rd Precinct. The male officer also supposedly told the woman he wielded significant influence over the chief of the department.
According to her complaint, the female officer was allegedly sent for an unwarranted psychological analysis after she filed an official complaint with the NYPD about the male officer’s purported behavior. The psychiatrist reportedly labeled the woman an alcoholic and her superior ordered her to attend substance abuse rehabilitation. The woman was apparently suspended for 30 days after she refused. The female officer also claims a number of other women experienced similar harassment at the hands of the same police officer. Despite that the male officer claims he did not harass the woman, he was ordered to attend a behavior seminar and lost 10 vacation days.
Sexual harassment in the workplace may occur in a wide variety of circumstances. For example, sexual harassment has occurred when an employer’s promotion and other decisions are based upon an employee’s response to unwelcome sexual advances. In addition, an employee may be threatened with termination, demotion, or other consequences such as occurred in this situation for refusing a co-worker or boss’s sexual advances. Quite disturbingly, sexual harassment often results in a hostile work environment. This situation normally occurs when inappropriate statements or unwanted physical contact unreasonably interfere with an individual’s ability to properly perform his or her job. A hostile work environment can also result when an employee is intimidated by a boss or co-worker’s behavior.
In general, sexual harassment is considered a form of gender discrimination in New York. Men and women who were sexually harassed may be eligible to recover financial compensation from their employer as a result of the emotional and other harm inflicted upon them. If you were sexually harassed by a co-worker or superior, you are advised to discuss your rights with a quality employment lawyer.
The caring attorneys at Phillips & Associates represent the victims of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination in New York City and surrounding areas. At Phillips & Associates, our knowledgeable lawyers will fight to protect your rights at the city, state, and federal levels. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a committed advocate, please call our diligent attorneys at (866) 229-9441 today. You may also contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
New Report Claims Pregnancy Discrimination in New York and Elsewhere is on the Rise, New York Employment Attorney Blog, June 17, 2013
Complaint Alleges Employer Health Care Plans Unlawfully Discriminate Against Pregnant Dependents in New York and Across the U.S., New York Employment Attorney Blog, June 6, 2013
Additional Resources:
‘Terribly abused’ female police officer files sexual harassment lawsuit against lieutenant, by John Marzulli, New York Daily News