What is Sexual Harassment? Know Your Rights
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome behavior such as inappropriate comments, advances, or actions that create a hostile environment. Learn your rights, reporting options, and how the law protects you at work.
Dec 18, 2025
More than 7,700 charges of sexual harassment were filed in U.S. workplaces, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); many of these incidents go unreported. Therefore, you should learn what sexual harassment is, the first step to recognizing it early, protecting your rights, and taking action before it escalates. In this blog, we’ll break down what legally counts as sexual harassment, explore its types, explain your rights under the law, and share how to respond if it happens to you or someone you know.
Read More: Why Didn’t They Report? The Silence Surrounding Sexual Harassment
What is Sexual Harassment? 5 Facts
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behavior that could make a person feel humiliated, offended, or intimidated. Here are 5 facts about sexual harassment:
Sexual harassment can be either physical, verbal, or written and can happen in any place.
Jokes or comments with sexual intent are often considered harassment. This applies even if the person meant it as a ‘joke.’
Unwanted touching, forceful grabbing, or sexual gestures are some common examples of sexual harassment.
Impacts workplace culture, productivity, and the well-being of individuals in any environment.
Awareness of your rights and knowing the steps to take when faced with such acts ensures dignity, equality, and safety in every professional environment.
What are the Forms of Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment can occur in many ways. Recognizing these forms helps you identify misconduct and organizations address it effectively. On that note, here are the most common types of sexual harassment:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
“Quid pro quo” generally translates to “this for that.” It occurs when someone in authority demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits like promotions, salary raises, or favorable work assignments.
Example: A supervisor tells an employee that they will only be considered for a promotion if they agree to go on a date or engage in a sexual relationship.
Hostile Work Environment
It usually happens when workplace behavior creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive atmosphere for the victim. Sometimes, this includes repeated inappropriate jokes, comments, or displays of explicit content. However, it doesn’t involve direct propositions in most cases.
Example: Colleagues making persistent sexual jokes or displaying offensive images that make an employee uncomfortable. Sometimes, they may not be able to perform their job effectively.
Verbal Harassment
Comments, suggestive remarks, or unwanted sexual advances in the form of words are all considered verbal harassment. It can also happen over the phone, in person, or through various digital platforms.
Example: Commenting on a coworker’s appearance in a sexualized manner repeatedly.
Non-Verbal Harassment
Sexual harassment does not simply involve words in every case. Gestures, staring, leering, or sharing sexually explicit images without consent also fall under this category.
Example: An employee staring at a colleague in a way that makes them feel unsafe.
Physical Harassment
Unwanted forms of touching, groping, or blocking someone’s path are sexual harassment. Even seemingly “minor” physical gestures, if unwelcome, can mean harassment to the victim.
Example: A coworker attempting to give unwanted hugs.
Read More: Recognizing the Early Signs of Sexual Harassment at Work
What Legal Protections Exist Against Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the U.S. Employers with 15 or more employees are legally obligated to prevent and address sexual harassment according to this act. Key protections include:
Know Your Rights: What to Do If You’re Sexually Harassed
Every employee can have workplace safety and keep it free from harassment if they know the rules and regulations. If you experience sexual harassment, here are the rights and protections available to you:
Right to File a Complaint Internally
Most organizations worldwide already have an internal grievance redressal system or HR process for harassment complaints. You can also formally document the incident through these channels.
Right to Confidentiality
Complaints should be handled discreetly. This always allows you to protect your privacy or that of a colleague or family member as much as possible.
Right to Protection from Retaliation
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against you for filing a complaint. So, any act, like a termination, demotion, or creating a hostile environment, is completely illegal in these circumstances.
Right to File a Formal EEOC Charge
You can also file a charge with the EEOC within 180 days of the incident if internal processes do not resolve the issues. Sometimes, the complaint can be filed within 300 days if state laws provide extended coverage.
Right to Pursue Legal Action
You may be granted the right to sue your employer or the harasser in federal court after the EEOC reviews your claim.
Read More: Common Examples of Sexual Harassment
What to Do if You Experience Sexual Harassment
A Stop Street Harassment survey reports that around 81% of women and 43% of men have been sexually harassed at least once in the U.S.. It is common in the workplace, and many cases go unreported. This is due to the fear of retaliation, damage to reputation, or a lack of confidence in the reporting system. A sexual harassment training can help you tackle these issues efficiently. Taking immediate, informed steps can also make a big difference in resolving such harassment cases.
Step 1: Document Everything
Record all incidents, including dates, times, locations, witnesses, and the nature of the behavior. If possible, save emails, text messages, or keep other digital evidence.
Step 2: Confront or Communicate (if Safe)
In some cases, you may tell the harasser directly that their behaviour is unwelcome and can stop the misconduct. However, this often depends on the power dynamics, and may not always be safe or practical.
Step 3: Report Internally
Report to an HR, your supervisor, or a designated harassment officer as a part of your organization’s regular grievance procedure. Make sure your complaint is written and acknowledged by the authorities.
Step 4: File an External Complaint
If internal remedies fail, approach the EEOC or your state’s fair employment agency. Many agencies also allow you to do online filing for a faster procedure.
Step 5: Seek Support
Contact legal advisors, unions, or support groups that generally specialize in workplace rights. Emotional support from counselling services can also help you overcome the stress of harassment cases.
Why Sexual Harassment Often Goes Unreported
Research shows that over 75% of workplace harassment incidents in the U.S. go unreported despite several protections in place. This shows how important it is to enforce stricter rules and aware workers about their legal rights. The reasons for fewer reports on sexual harassment include:
Fear of retaliation or losing one’s job
Lack of trust in HR systems or management
Social stigma attached to reporting
Belief that the complaint will not be taken seriously
Emotional toll of reliving the harassment during investigations
Read More: Sexual Harassment Training for Employees: Why and How to Conduct It
Key Strategies for Building a Harassment-Free Workplace
Preventing sexual harassment is not just the responsibility of both individuals and organizations. Employers can take proactive steps, such as:
Mandatory Training Programs: Regular, interactive training sessions to sensitise employees.
Clear Policies: Written anti-harassment policies that outline definitions, reporting procedures, and consequences.
Strong Grievance Mechanisms: Multiple reporting channels, including anonymous options.
Leadership Accountability: Managers and supervisors must set the tone by modeling respectful behaviour and taking swift action on complaints.
Enroll in Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Today!
Legal workplace issues often undermine equality, safety, and dignity. Knowing what is sexual harassment and understanding your rights empowers you to take action when faced with misconduct.
U.S. laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act already provide strong protections. However, the battle against sexual harassment also requires cultural change, open dialogue, and organizational commitment. You can move closer to workplaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. So, if you want to make your workplace and community safer and inclusive, enroll in our sexual harassment training course now.
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