Sexual harassment can occur between any individuals, regardless
of their sex or gender, and regardless of the nature of their employment.
New York law protects employees, paid or unpaid interns, and nonemployees,
including independent contractors, and those employed by companies
contracting to provide services in the workplace. A perpetrator of
sexual harassment can be a superior or a subordinate a coworker, or
anyone in the workplace including an independent contractor, contract
worker, vendor, client, customer or visitor.
Unlawful sexual harassment is not limited to the physical workplace
itself. It can occur while employees are traveling for business or
at employer sponsored events or parties. Calls, texts, emails, and
social media usage by employees can constitute unlawful workplace
harassment, even if such conduct occurs away from the workplace premises
or outside work hours.
Preventing sexual harassment is everyone's responsibility.
The Village of North Hills cannot prevent or remedy sexual harassment
unless it knows about it. Any employee, paid or unpaid intern or nonemployee
who has been subjected to behavior that may constitute sexual harassment
is encouraged to report such behavior to a supervisor, manager, the
Village Administrator or the Mayor. Anyone who witnesses or becomes
aware of potential instances of sexual harassment should report such
behavior to a supervisor, manager, the Village Administrator or the
Mayor.
A. Reports of sexual harassment may be made verbally or in writing.
A form for submission of a written complaint is attached to this policy,
and all employees are encouraged to use this complaint form. Employees
who are reporting sexual harassment on behalf of other employees should
use the complaint form and note that it is on another employee's
behalf.
B. Employees, paid or unpaid interns or nonemployees who believe they
have been a victim of sexual harassment may also seek assistance in
other available forums, as explained below in the section on legal
protections.
If the harassment involves physical touching, coerced physical
confinement or coerced sex acts, the conduct may constitute a crime.
Contact the local police department.
Any Village officer, employee, or paid or unpaid intern, or
other person subject to this policy may submit questions regarding
this policy and its implementation by submitting the questions in
writing to the Village Administrator or the Mayor. Written responses
will be provided with respect to any such question within a reasonable
period of time after submission.