We are here.
You speak for women at podiums, in press releases, and at bill signings. We read those.
We also read your office’s complaint logs, investigation findings, training records, and payroll. Much of that is public.
When the two do not match, the records will show it.
Your staff know where to go and how long they have. We do not need their names. We protect them.
Dr. AnneMarie Hart
When the person who speaks up for women is the one harassing you.
You may work for someone who champions women in public and treats you differently in private. That gap can make you doubt what you saw. It happened, and it was not your fault.
Their public record is not their record with you
When the person harassing you is known as an ally, the usual signs get scrambled. You may be thinking some of this.
“They’ve fought for women their whole career.”
A public record does not cancel private conduct. Harassment is judged by what happened, not by reputation.
“If I speak up, I’ll hurt the cause.”
The cause is not served by protecting someone who harms the people it exists to protect.
“Maybe I misread it.”
If it bothered you enough to look for this page, write it down now. You can sort out what it means later.
“No one will believe me over them.”
That is why records matter. Dates, messages, and witnesses carry weight that a public image cannot erase.
“My job depends on them.”
Punishing someone for reporting harassment is illegal under federal, New York State, and New York City law.
Free, confidential, 24 hours a day
These lines are separate from your office and your union. Calling does not start a complaint.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
Trained staff for anyone affected by sexual violence. English and Spanish.
Text HOPE to 64673 · Chat at hotline.rainn.org
NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
Crisis counseling and referrals to local programs across New York State.
Text 844-997-2121 · Chat at opdv.ny.gov/chat
Where to file depends on who you work for
Staff of elected officials have rules that differ from other workers, and some deadlines are shorter. Each deadline counts from the last incident, so earlier is better.
New York State Division of Human Rights
State, county, city, and town employees in New York, including staff of elected officials, judges, and the Legislature. Also gives free referrals to volunteer lawyers.
File within 3 yearsU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Federal option for state and local government staff. If you are on an elected official’s personal staff or serve as a policy advisor, a special federal rule applies with a shorter deadline.
Personal or policy staff: 180 days Most other staff: 300 daysOffice of Congressional Workplace Rights
For staff of members of Congress, including district offices in New York. Congressional staff file here, not with the EEOC. Confidential advising is available.
File within 180 daysNYC Commission on Human Rights
For City Council, borough, and city agency staff inside the five boroughs. You can also call 311.
File within 3 yearsThings you can do now
- Write down what happened. Dates, times, places, exact words, and who was there. Do it soon, while it is fresh.
- Keep it off government systems. Office email, phones, and drives may be monitored or subject to public records requests. Keep your notes on a personal device and account.
- Save the messages. Screenshots of texts, emails, and posts that show the date and the sender.
- Note the contrast if it helps you. Public statements and events can sit next to your notes as a reminder of why it felt so confusing.
- Note who you told. Friends, coworkers, HR, or a doctor you spoke to can matter later.
Let the records show the pattern
Government offices keep records of how they handle complaints. In New York, anyone can request them under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). One story can be dismissed. A pattern in the records is harder to ignore.
- Know what to ask for. Complaint logs, investigation findings, harassment training records, and payroll records for the office.
- Ask for the public parts. If a complaint file is confidential, you can still request the parts that are public, such as outcomes and totals.
- Protect names. Complainants’ names should be kept out. You can ask for records with names removed.
Dr. AnneMarie Hart
Dr. AnneMarie Hart is a workplace sexual harassment expert. She investigates how public offices handle harassment complaints and abuse of power. Her work starts from the records: complaints, findings, training, and pay. She lets the records show the pattern, and she protects the names of the people who come forward.
Email from a personal account, not a work account. Email is not monitored around the clock, so if you are in crisis, use the hotlines above. Please leave out names and details you want kept private until you have talked.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Using it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Coverage and deadlines depend on your job and your facts, so confirm yours with the agency or a lawyer.
This site does not name or accuse any individual.
Phone numbers and deadlines were checked against official sources in November 2026.