If you’re facing harassment at work or managing a workplace where an employee reports it, knowing how to file a harassment complaint in NYC is crucial. The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) provides some of the strongest protections against workplace harassment in the country. Whether you’re an employee trying to understand your rights or an employer striving to stay compliant and responsive, having a clear grasp of the complaint process can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how to file a harassment complaint in NYC, what legal protections apply, and how Emtrain helps organizations reduce harassment risk before it reaches the complaint stage.
What Counts as Harassment Under NYC Law?
Harassment in the workplace includes any unwelcome behavior based on a person’s protected characteristic, such as gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or national origin. In New York City, the law protects against all forms of discriminatory harassment, not just sexual harassment.
The NYC Human Rights Law sets a lower burden of proof than federal or even state law. That means conduct does not have to be severe or pervasive to be considered harassment. Even a single incident could trigger liability if it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Step 1: Report the Harassment Internally (If Safe to Do So)
Before taking formal legal steps, employees are often encouraged to report the issue internally through their employer’s HR department, manager, or designated complaint channel. Most employers are legally required to have a sexual harassment policy and provide information about how to report misconduct.
If you feel safe doing so, file a written complaint detailing:
- What happened
- When and where it occurred
- Who was involved
- Any witnesses
- Any documents, screenshots, or records of communication
Employers are legally obligated to investigate harassment complaints and take prompt, appropriate action. In fact, failing to act can make them liable—even if they weren’t directly responsible for the behavior.
Step 2: File a Formal Complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR)
If the issue isn’t resolved internally, or if the internal process feels unsafe or biased, you can file a complaint directly with the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). This agency enforces the NYC Human Rights Law and investigates claims of discrimination and harassment.
To file a complaint:
- Contact the CCHR by phone at (212) 416-0197 or visit their website to schedule an intake.
- Attend an intake interview, where you’ll discuss the details of your complaint with a human rights specialist.
- If the Commission accepts the case, they’ll draft a formal complaint and initiate an investigation.
Complaints must typically be filed within one year of the last incident of harassment. You can also file anonymously in some cases.
Alternative option: File a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), especially if you’re considering a federal lawsuit.
Step 3: Cooperate With the Investigation
Once a complaint is filed, the CCHR will:
- Notify the employer and request a formal response
- Gather evidence from both parties
- Interview witnesses if necessary
- Attempt to resolve the issue through mediation or conciliation
If mediation fails and the Commission finds probable cause, the case can go to a public hearing. Remedies may include reinstatement, back pay, policy changes, or monetary damages.
Protections Against Retaliation
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a harassment complaint. Retaliation can include firing, demotion, reduced hours, exclusion, or any negative employment action taken in response to your report.
Employees who experience retaliation can file a separate complaint with the CCHR or pursue legal action. Employers should take this seriously—retaliation cases often carry greater penalties than the original harassment complaint.
How Emtrain Helps Employers Reduce Harassment Risk
At Emtrain, we help employers move beyond reactive policies and build proactive, respectful workplace cultures. By offering interactive training, real-world examples, and built-in analytics, our platform gives companies the tools to:
- Prevent harassment before it happens
- Encourage early reporting in safe, structured ways
- Understand cultural risk factors before they escalate
- Ensure compliance with NYC and state harassment laws
- Protect against costly legal exposure
We also offer training that specifically covers NYC harassment laws, bystander intervention, retaliation, and employee rights, making it easy to stay compliant and build trust across your teams.
Empower Employees. Educate Employers.
Understanding how to file a harassment complaint in NYC is essential—for employees who need to protect themselves and for employers who want to foster safe, respectful workplaces. The process can be intimidating, but the law is on the side of those seeking accountability.
By investing in proactive training and a strong culture of communication, organizations can reduce the risk of complaints, improve employee engagement, and demonstrate a commitment to doing the right thing.
