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Legal Information: New York

Workplace Protections

Updated: 
July 7, 2023

Can an employer fire me or refuse to hire me based on the fact that I am a victim of domestic violence?

Under the law, a person who is a victim of domestic violence cannot be discriminated against by an employer. This means that an employer may not fire you or refuse to hire you solely because you are a victim of domestic violence. Additionally, your employer may not treat you differently than other employees in terms of privileges, benefits, or pay, based on the fact that you are a domestic violence victim.1

Note: This law only applies to employers with four or more employees. However, all the employees do not need to work in the same location.2

1 NY Exec Law § 296(1)(a)
2 NY Exec Law § 292(5)