There is a new legal requirement in New York State that impacts certain organizations that intend to do business with New York State or intend to bid on competitive government contracts.
Specifically, these businesses must adopt a Gender-Based Violence Workplace Policy.
New York Gender-Based Violence Workplace Policy
Effective November 5, 2025: All employers who submit bids for competitive contracts with New York State must have a Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Policy in place.
This requirement is mandated under State Finance Law §139-m, and bidders must certify that their policy meets the minimum standards outlined below.
Key Requirements
Information must be accessible to employees:
- Employers must display the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline Number (Call 800-942-6906 or Text 844-997-2121)
- Posting a Gender – Based Violence and Workplace Poster
Employees can get the necessary labor law posters and notices through a labor law poster service.
Employers must refer employee-survivors to services:
- If an employee discloses current or past victimization, employers must provide referrals to:
- The NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
- A local service provider
For employers outside of New York State, referrals must be made to local or state resources. Also, employees are not required to utilize the services but must be offered them.
Retaliation is prohibited:
- Policies must clearly prohibit retaliation or discrimination against employees who identify as victims or survivors of gender-based violence.
Ensure that policies meet the requirements of:
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The SAFE Leave Act
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The New York State Human Rights Law
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Relevant state and local regulations
Employers looking for assistance with employee handbook policies may want to turn to an employee handbook service from an experienced HR outsourcing company.
Employee handbook services can help ensure handbooks are up to date, meet compliance requirements, and cover the needs of your business to prevent disagreements with employees.
Offer support for implementation of the new policy:
- Employers must inform supervisors and HR personnel that the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) offers support in developing and implementing required policies.
- OPDV can assist in developing and implementing policy. OPDV can be reached at workplace@opdv.ny.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to have a Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Policy in New York?
Effective November 5, 2025, all employers that submit bids for competitive contracts with New York State must have a Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Policy in place. Bidders must certify that their policy meets the required minimum standards.
What information must employers make available to employees?
Employers must display the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline number and post a Gender-Based Violence and Workplace Poster. Employees can call the hotline at 800-942-6906 or text 844-997-2121.
What should an employer do if an employee discloses that they are a victim or survivor of gender-based violence?
Employers must offer the employee referrals to the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline and a local service provider. Employees are not required to use these services, but employers must offer them.
Are employers outside of New York State subject to referral requirements?
Yes. Employers outside New York State must provide employees with referrals to appropriate local or state resources when an employee discloses current or past victimization.
Does the policy need to address retaliation and discrimination?
Yes. The policy must clearly prohibit retaliation or discrimination against employees who identify as victims or survivors of gender-based violence.
What other laws should employers consider when developing their policy?
Employers should ensure their policies comply with the SAFE Leave Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and other relevant state and local regulations.
Get Help with New York Employer Policies
Our team at EBC HR & Payroll Solutions, Inc. is prepared to help you navigate new requirements. Our team can assist by assessing whether your organization is subject to this requirement, updating compliant policies, reviewing training requirements and preparing required bid certificates.
Employers looking for assistance with employee handbook policies, such as Gender-Based Violence Workplace Policies, may want to consider reaching out to an HR outsourcing company for assistance. Most HR services include things such as employee handbook services.
To learn more about how EBC HCM can help with your Gender-Based Violence Workplace Policies, contact us today.
