Workplace Rights of Domestic Violence Victims

The New York City Human Rights Law was amended to require employers to provide reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants who are victims of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, and to prevent employers from discriminating against them because of their status as victims. NYC Adm. Code '' 8-101, 8-102, 8-107 and 8-107.1 According to Mayor Bloomberg, who signed the amendment into law on Dec. 22, 2003, these people are often unable to separate their status as victims from their jobs due to outside harassment or sexual assault impacting them at their workplace. Many times, victims of these crimes are late or miss several days of work, which can eventually lead to the loss of a job. Mayor Bloomberg believes that providing "reasonable accommodation" in the workplace will enable victims to remain productive and self-reliant, as well as help employers to retain their employees, minimize on-the-job disruptions and increase productivity.