How to File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim with the Connecticut CHRO: Timelines & Steps

Experiencing sexual harassment at work can leave you feeling powerless, embarrassed, and unsure of where to turn. In cities across Connecticut, from Hartford to Stamford, employees are protected by some of the strongest anti-harassment laws in the country. If your employer has failed to stop the abuse, you have the right to take legal action. However, the process involves strict deadlines and specific government agencies. Understanding how to properly file a claim with the state ensures that your voice is heard and your career is protected.

State vs. Federal: Why the Connecticut CHRO is Usually Better

When you are harassed at work, you generally have two administrative options before you can file a lawsuit: the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state-level Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Hartford (CHRO). For most residents, filing with the CHRO is the superior choice.

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-60, state law strictly prohibits workplace harassment, and the definition under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-51(10) covers employers with one or more employees. The federal EEOC requires a company to have 15 or more employees to take action. Additionally, Connecticut's Time's Up Act (Conn. Public Act No. 19-16) significantly expanded worker protections by extending the administrative filing deadline to 300 days. Furthermore, Connecticut courts often award broader damages for emotional distress and punitive damages compared to federal caps.

Step-by-Step Process in Connecticut

You cannot simply walk into a Superior Court and sue your employer for sexual harassment. You must first exhaust your administrative remedies by filing through the CHRO.

Step 1: What Evidence to Gather Before Filing

Before you file, compile as much documentation as possible. Gather inappropriate emails, texts, or Slack messages. Write down the dates, times, and exact quotes of verbal harassment. If you complained to Human Resources, save copies of your written complaints and their responses. Identifying friendly coworkers who witnessed the behavior is also critical, as the CHRO investigator will want to interview them.

Step 2: Navigating the CHRO Intake Process

To begin, you must file a formal Form Non-Numbered, Connecticut, Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Affidavit of Illegal Discriminatory Practice. You have 300 days from the date of the last harassing incident to file this document under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-82. Missing this 300-day deadline generally bars the claim. Once filed, the CHRO will notify your employer, who must submit a written defense. The agency will then conduct a Case Assessment Review (CAR) to decide if your case warrants a full investigation.

Step 3: Requesting a Release of Jurisdiction

The CHRO is notoriously backlogged, and a full investigation can take over a year. If you and your attorney want to move the case directly to a civil courtroom, you can request a Release of Jurisdiction. You are legally entitled to request this release 180 days after filing your complaint (or earlier if both parties agree or after a case assessment review) under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-101(b). This release officially closes the CHRO file and grants you the right to sue your employer.

Step 4: Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Superior Court

Once you have the release in hand, you must act quickly. You generally have 90 days from the date the release is issued to file a civil lawsuit, using documents like Form JD-CV-1, Connecticut, Judicial Branch, Summons - Civil, in the local Connecticut Superior Court, Hartford. At this stage, your lawyer will demand compensation for lost wages, emotional trauma, and attorney's fees.

How Much Does it Cost in Connecticut?

Filing a complaint with the CHRO is completely free; the state does not charge an application or investigation fee. If your case moves to Superior Court, the court filing fee is approximately $360. Hiring an employment lawyer from our US Lawyers Directory is highly recommended. Most plaintiffs' attorneys handle sexual harassment cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they take around 33% of your final settlement or jury award and charge you nothing up front.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline varies wildly depending on your strategy. A CHRO investigation can take 12 to 18 months if you let the agency handle it entirely. If you request a Release of Jurisdiction and file a civil lawsuit, the court process typically takes 1 to 2 years to reach a settlement or trial date, though employers often try to settle early through mediation to avoid public embarrassment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)