Know Your Rights: After surviving abusive behavior, victims too often suffer at the workplace

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Domestic Violence Discrimination Lawyers in New York City

Protecting Your Rights After Surviving Domestic Abuse

After escaping abusive behavior, no survivor should have to face additional trauma in the workplace. Unfortunately, many do. At our domestic violence discrimination law firm, we understand that workplace discrimination against survivors of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking is all too common—and we’re here to help change that.

As experienced New York domestic violence discrimination lawyers, we advocate for survivors who are mistreated at work because of their actual or perceived status as victims. Whether you’ve been unfairly fired, denied accommodations, or treated differently after seeking protection or support, a domestic violence discrimination attorney can help you fight back and protect your livelihood.

The New York City Human Rights Law provides broad protections for victims, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers based on their status as survivors of domestic violence. Our New York domestic violence discrimination attorneys are dedicated to ensuring survivors aren’t further penalized for protecting themselves or rebuilding their lives.

What are Common Issues Suffered by the Victims of Domestic Abuse at the Workplace?

Some of the common issues domestic violence survivors encounter in the workplace are demotion, suspension, loss of pay, loss of benefits, or termination. Often, survivors of domestic violence are fired simply for requesting that protective measures be taken in order to ensure their safety – such as requesting time off to meet with domestic violence counselors.

It is unlawful in New York City to discriminate against an individual or to treat that person differently at work as a result of their status as a victim of domestic violence or as a result of the employer’s perception that the individual is a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses and/or stalking.

This law states: It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer, or an agent thereof, to refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge from employment, or to discriminate against an individual in compensation or other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the actual or perceived status of said individual as a victim of domestic violence.

If you believe you’ve experienced workplace discrimination as a survivor, we encourage you to call our office at 212-766-9100 or fill out the form on this page to schedule a free consultation with an experienced domestic violence discrimination lawyer in New York. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.

How We Help the Victims of Domestic Violence at the Workplace

NY Sexual Harassment Lawyers Bill Sipser and Jack TucknerYou should not have to be victimized twice – once by an abuser, and the second time by your employer.

If you’re being discriminated against (treated differently than co-workers) at your place of employment, write to management and/or your employer’s human resources department, documenting the conduct occurring, the times at which it occurred, and who was involved. If the discrimination continues, or if you are fired, please call us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced domestic violence discrimination attorney and learn about the legal rights that you may have in response to such wrongful or illegal conduct.


Client Review  5 gold stars

I highly recommend Jack Tuckner and his team to anyone needing legal assistance with employment issues. Regardless of how big a case you may have they treat you like a VIP throughout the entire process. It’s a difficult time when dealing with these kinds of issues Jack and Deborah and the entire team give you help, hope and guidance throughout it. They restored hope for me that I had lost. I am thankful for the great service I received.

Google Review 5 Stars – V.O.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Discrimination

A domestic violence discrimination lawyer helps survivors who have experienced unfair treatment at work due to their status as victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses. These attorneys handle cases involving wrongful termination, denial of reasonable accommodations, retaliation, and other unlawful actions. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you assert your rights under both city and state law.

If you were fired, demoted, or disciplined for requesting time off related to domestic violence—such as attending court, seeking medical attention, or meeting with a counselor—you should consult a domestic violence discrimination attorney. In New York, such treatment may be unlawful, and an experienced domestic violence discrimination lawyer New York can help evaluate your case and take legal action if needed.

Absolutely. The law prohibits discrimination based on both actual and perceived status as a victim. If your employer assumes you are experiencing domestic violence and takes adverse action against you based on that perception, you may have grounds to file a claim. A New York domestic violence discrimination attorney can help determine whether your rights have been violated.