New Jersey Laws Against Discrimination and Workplace Sexual Assault

In New Jersey, workers are protected by some of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. While federal law safeguards employees nationwide, the New Jersey law against discrimination, often called NJLAD, or simply LAD. These laws prohibit not only discrimination, but also sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace. The LAD makes it illegal for employers to discriminate in hiring, promotions, compensation, or any other job related action based on race, age, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and many other protected categories.

All employees in New Jersey are covered, though there are some exceptions for independent contractors. If you’ve experienced workplace sexual assault, you should know that it falls under the broader category of sexual harassment under LAD. Workplace sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual conduct without consent. It can take the form of Quid Pro Quo harassment where job benefits are tied to sexual favors or a hostile work environment where severe or pervasive harassment makes it impossible to feel safe at work. Employers are legally required to act once they know harassment or assault has occurred.

If you’ve been harassed or assaulted in the workplace, you have options. You can start by reporting the incident internally to your supervisor or HR. If the behavior continues or your employer fails to act, you may be able to file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights within 180 days. You may also submit an equal employment opportunity complaint through the New Jersey Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

In certain cases, survivors may also have grounds to file a lawsuit against the workplace if the company failed to protect employees. Survivors may recover economic damages like lost wages or benefits, emotional distress damages, compensation for reputational harm, and even punitive damages if the employer’s conduct was especially egregious. Importantly, LAD claims allow for uncapped damages, meaning there is no set limit on what survivors may be awarded.

At Helping Survivors, our mission is to educate, empower, and support people who have experienced workplace sexual assault. We connect survivors with experienced New Jersey attorneys who can hold institutions accountable. These attorneys work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront costs and consultations are free. If you or someone you know has experienced workplace sexual assault in New Jersey, contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your legal options.