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Updated on 09/15/2025
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that affects many people, often leaving them feeling violated, unsafe, and distracted.
It’s not just uncomfortable; the fear and stress it creates can overwhelm, leading to long-term, negative emotional, mental, and professional consequences.
In this article, we’ll look at how to recognize, address, and prevent sexual harassment at work and on campus, so that you can confidently prevent it from happening or take the right measures if you experience it.
Here's what we're going to cover:
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual Harassment at Work
Sexual Harassment on Campus
Forms of Harassment You May Not Recognize
And more… Let’s begin!
What Is Sexual Harassment?
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical behaviors of a sexual nature.
This behavior doesn’t always have to be explicitly sexual or directed at an individual; for instance, derogatory comments about women as a group can also be considered sexual harassment.
Many actions can fall under sexual harassment, with the following being the most common examples:
Physical sexual assault.
Seeking sexual favors.
Sexually charged verbal harassment, including jokes about sexual acts or someone’s sexual orientation.
Unwanted physical contact or touch.
Uninvited sexual advances.
Discussing sexual experiences or fantasies in work, school, or other inappropriate settings.
Pressure to engage in sexual interactions.
Indecent exposure or performing sexual acts publicly.
Sending or sharing unwanted explicit photos, emails, or messages.
Who Can Experience Sexual Harassment?
Everyone can experience sexual harassment, regardless of gender. Both men and women can be targets, but studies show that women are more frequently impacted.
In light of this difference between the number of men and women who experience sexual harassment, it becomes all the more important to raise awareness and take action against sexual harassment and help everyone feel safe and respected in their surroundings.
What is the Difference Between Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault?
While sexual harassment is a broad term that encompasses various forms of unwelcome verbal and physical sexual attention, sexual assault refers specifically to sexual contact or behavior – often physical – that occurs without the victim's consent.
Sexual harassment typically violates only civil laws and, in many cases, is not even considered a criminal act.
On the other hand, sexual assault can involve criminal actions.
Sexual Harassment at Work
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant problem that impacts many employees in various sectors.
This behavior is illegal; according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers cannot allow employees to harass each other sexually, regardless of their sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
So, recognizing what sexual harassment is and knowing your rights is a vital step toward preventing and fighting it.
7 Ways to Recognize Sexual Harassment at Work
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, between 25 and 80 percent of women in the U.S. will experience sexual harassment in the workplace in their lifetime.
This is exactly why you should learn to recognize it.
First, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s important to pay attention.
Your gut feeling is usually the first to signal if the perpetrator may have crossed the line from professional behavior to personal misconduct.
If you suspect you are being sexually harassed, it’s crucial to tell the Human Resources department and to contact an employment discrimination lawyer as soon as possible.
Here are some common signs to watch for:
Persistent advances. Continual requests for dates or flirtations after you’ve declined are clear harassment indicators.
Inappropriate comments. Sexual remarks about your body or appearance.
Unwelcome touching. Any unwanted physical contact that makes you feel uneasy.
Sexual jokes and stories. Sharing explicit jokes or stories in the workplace contributes to a toxic atmosphere and can make you feel uncomfortable.
Unsolicited gifts or messages. Receiving explicit gifts or messages from coworkers.
Online stalking or harassment. A work colleague harassing you online or through text messages.
Requests for sexual favors. Asking you to perform sexual acts in exchange for job opportunities.
Knowing Your Rights
First things first – you have a legal right to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.
Remember, your employers are legally obligated to ensure that your workplace is safe and not judgmental toward your sex or gender identity.
Additionally, get informed about your company’s sexual harassment policies, including how to report sexual harassment incidents.
You also have the right to discuss or speak out against sexual harassment, whether it's directed at you or someone else. This means you can talk to your coworkers or supervisors about harassment without fear of retaliation from your employer, as it is illegal for them to punish you for discussing these issues.
Moreover, the law obliges your employer to take your complaints seriously and conduct an investigation.
What Can You Do if You’re Sexually Harassed at Work?
Here are some practical steps you can take if you’re facing sexual harassment at work:
Report to HR or a supervisor. File a report with your HR department or supervisor. It’s helpful to document this in writing to keep a clear record that may support any future actions.
Address the issue internally. Most workplaces require you to follow internal procedures before exploring legal options, so addressing it within the company first is often essential.
Exercise your right to protest. You have the right to protest or picket against sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination, a form of protected speech in many jurisdictions.
Engage in concerted activity. Coming together with coworkers to express concerns about working conditions, pay, or harassment is considered “concerted activity” and is protected under the National Labor Relations Act.
Document incidents thoroughly. Keep a detailed record of each incident, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. This documentation can be valuable if you decide to pursue further action.
Who Is Responsible for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment at Work?
Employers need to take steps to stop sexual harassment before it happens. According to a concept known as "vicarious liability", they can be held accountable for what their employees do.
Employers also have a "duty of care" for their staff’s well-being. If your employer fails to do this, it could seriously violate your employment contract.
In case you feel like you have no option but to quit because of harassment, your employer might face claims of sexual harassment and constructive dismissal.
Of course, anyone who sexually harasses a coworker is responsible too. So, you can file discrimination complaints and take legal action against individuals or the company.
How Can You Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work?
Your employer should take steps to prevent harassment by clearly communicating that such behavior isn’t tolerated and could, in many states, lead to an immediate fire. Specifically, they need to provide easy-to-find contact information for anyone who has questions or concerns and reassure employees that they won’t face any retaliation for speaking up.
It’s also essential for them to respond quickly to any reports and ensure that managers understand their responsibility to stop and prevent harassment actively.
If you’re an employer, you can take proactive steps to create a harassment-free workplace. Although it may not be your fault that harassment happens, you have a key role in addressing it.
Start by openly discussing your concerns and encouraging employees to come forward with any concerns, making it clear they have nothing to fear.
When employees know their voices will be heard, it fosters trust and helps create a safer environment for everyone.
Remember, taking action shows your commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace and can prevent issues from escalating down the line.
Sexual Harassment on Campus
Sexual harassment on college and university campuses is a significant issue that affects students of all backgrounds.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is crucial in addressing this problem by prohibiting sex discrimination in education. This means that all students, regardless of sex or gender identity—including international and prospective students—are protected under Title IX.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Importantly, Title IX covers not only sexual harassment but also sexual violence. Any unwelcome sexual conduct, such as advances or requests for sexual favors, falls under its purview.
Furthermore, it addresses sex-based harassment, including verbal or physical aggression and hostility based on sex or gender stereotypes, even if these actions do not involve sexual conduct.
How to Recognize Sexual Harassment on Campus
It's important to know how to spot sexual harassment on campus because it can happen anywhere and affect everyone. According to statistics, 13% of all students experience sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.
As a student, you might encounter harassment from both professors and fellow students.
Sexual harassment can show up in many ways, such as:
Unwelcome advances. These can include unwanted flirting or persistent requests for dates.
Inappropriate touching. Physical contact that is intrusive, such as touching, hugging, or other physical gestures without consent.
Crude comments about appearance. Remarks or jokes about someone’s body or looks that make them uncomfortable.
Coercive behavior. Often involves a person in a position of power, like a professor, who pressures someone into unwanted situations by leveraging their authority.
Additionally, behaviors like sharing explicit jokes or stories in classes or social settings can create an uncomfortable atmosphere, too.
Therefore, trust your instincts – if something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, it’s likely harassment.
What Can You Do if You’re Sexually Harassed on Campus?
If you experience sexual harassment or violence on campus, you have the right to report the incident to your school. They are obligated to take action to stop the harassment and prevent it from happening again.
Every school typically has a designated Title IX coordinator who oversees compliance with these regulations. This person is your go-to resource for discussing any concerns or reports of sexual harassment and violence.
On top of that, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, if you feel your school hasn’t adequately addressed your complaint or protected you from harassment.
You also have the option to file a police report, although it’s not mandatory, and this choice won’t impact your rights under Title IX. Additionally, many schools offer extra resources, including confidential services or counseling, to support you during this time.
Who Is Responsible for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment on Campus?
Under Title IX, your school has a responsibility to address and prevent sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence. To fulfill this duty, they must implement policies that prohibit such behavior and establish grievance procedures to ensure prompt and fair resolution of incidents.
Your school should also offer accommodations and interim measures to support you if you’re affected by these issues. This can include adjusting your class schedule to minimize contact with the perpetrator or providing campus escort services for added safety.
Additionally, schools must comply with the Clery Act, which requires them to update their policies, the number of reported incidents of sexual assault, and other related information annually.
How Can You Prevent Sexual Harassment on Campus?
Each year, more than 1 in 10 students experience sexual harassment or assault on campus, making it essential for colleges to take action.
Here are some key steps campuses can take to help prevent these incidents:
Create clear policies. Establish straightforward guidelines for handling misconduct accusations so students know what to expect during the reporting process.
Promote student-led initiatives. Support campaigns that raise awareness about sexual assault and educate peers on safety measures.
Implement prevention training. Offer training programs for first-year and transfer students that address the prevalence of sexual assault and provide tools for reporting and safety.
Educate on consent. Regularly communicate the importance of consent, using initiatives like the “No Means No” campaign to reinforce what consent looks like.
Establish escort services. Provide 24/7 safety escort services for students feeling uncomfortable walking alone on campus.
Train bystanders. Equip students with the knowledge to recognize signs of potential assault and intervene appropriately to help others.
Collaborate with local centers. Partner with sexual assault centers to provide resources, counseling, and support services for survivors.
The Impact of Sexual Assault on College Students
Experiencing sexual assault can lead to a range of immediate and long-term challenges for college students.
While the initial health concerns might include sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, the mental health effects can be far-reaching. Many survivors struggle with anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Additionally, you might feel withdrawn or lose interest in friendships, and have issues navigating college life.
Academically, the fallout from sexual assault is significant. Studies show that students who face such trauma often drop out at higher rates—34.1% of those sexually assaulted leave their universities.
And even if you stay enrolled, it’s common to battle feelings of shame or blame, which can impact your focus and attendance.
Finally, the aftermath of an assault can push you away from friends and family, as you might fear that others won’t believe you or will side with the perpetrator.
Forms of Harassment You May Not Recognize
When we think about sexual harassment, we often picture overtly aggressive actions or explicit comments.
However, many behaviors that may seem harmless or unintentional can also cross the line into harassment.
Here are some examples of behaviors that might not seem like harassment at first glance, but can have a significant impact:
Inappropriate jokes or comments. What might feel like a harmless joke can make someone uncomfortable or feel disrespected, especially if it relates to sex or gender.
Excessive flirting. Persistent advances, even if they seem playful, can create an uncomfortable atmosphere, particularly if the recipient isn’t interested.
Unwanted physical contact. Touching someone without their consent—whether it's a shoulder squeeze, a hug, or a playful shove—can be considered harassment, especially if it makes the other person uneasy.
Sharing personal information. Revealing someone’s private details or making unsolicited comments about their personal life can feel invasive and disrespectful.
Stalking behaviors. Following someone or consistently showing up where they are can create a sense of fear or discomfort, even if it seems innocuous to the stalker.
Making assumptions. Assuming someone’s capabilities or interests based solely on their gender can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to a hostile environment.
Coping Strategies for Sexual Harassment Survivors
Coping with the aftermath of sexual harassment can be as challenging as the initial experience.
However, several strategies can help you regain your sense of control and well-being:
Take time for yourself. Engage in activities that bring you joy and comfort, like spending time with friends, practicing mindfulness, or diving into a hobby that allows for self-expression.
Seek professional support. Talking to a therapist or counselor who understands trauma can provide a safe space to process your feelings and develop coping strategies.
Join a support group. Connecting with others who have had similar experiences, whether in person or online, can offer valuable support and understanding.
Lean on trusted people. Share your experiences with friends, family, or colleagues who are good listeners and can provide emotional support.
Educate yourself about your rights. Knowing what options and resources are available can empower you and help you regain a sense of control.
Key Takeaways
Wow, you made it to the end!
You've gathered some important insights about sexual harassment at work and on campus, and now you’re equipped with knowledge to help yourself or someone else.
But before you go, let’s recap everything we've learned:
Understand what constitutes sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances, inappropriate comments, and any behavior that creates an uncomfortable environment.
You have the right to work and study in an environment free from harassment. Familiarize yourself with your workplace or school’s policies and reporting procedures.
If you experience or witness harassment, report it to your HR department or school’s Title IX coordinator. Document everything in writing to keep a record of your complaint.
Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional counselors who can provide emotional support and help you navigate your feelings.
Understanding the resources available to you, whether through your workplace, school, or external organizations, empowers you to take action and advocate for your well-being.
If you’re an employer or student leader, promote a culture of respect and support on campus or in the workplace to prevent harassment.
Prioritize self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy. Your mental health matters, and taking steps to care for yourself is crucial in the healing process.
