Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under both federal and New York State law. Your employer cannot fire, demote, transfer, or otherwise punish you for filing a complaint, participating in an investigation, or pursuing legal action.
However, illegal doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Some employers do retaliate, hoping you won’t fight back. This is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can document everything and take immediate action if retaliation occurs.
If you are fired or face other retaliation, it actually strengthens your case significantly. Retaliation claims often result in substantial additional damages, including reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and punitive damages. Many employers settle quickly once they realize they’ve violated retaliation laws because these violations are often easier to prove than the underlying harassment.