Workplace Protections

If you are a victim or the family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, an employer cannot take certain actions against you based on the fact that:

• you decided to take legal action, which includes getting ready for or participating in any civil or criminal legal case related to or resulting from domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking;
• you got yourself physical or mental health services or counseling because of the incident; or
• the abuser caused a disruption or made a threat to your employment relating to the domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking that you or your family member experienced.¹

The actions that an employer cannot take against you are:

• failing or refusing to hire you;
• firing you;
• taking away compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, including a promotion; or
• separating, limiting, or classifying you in a way that would deny you employment opportunities or negatively impact your employment status.²

¹ D.C. Code § 2–1402.11(c-1)(1)
² D.C. Code § 2–1402.11(c-1)(1), (a), (b)