You should be able to go to work, school, or simply walk down the street without fear. But for millions of Americans, daily life is disrupted by sexual harassment—a widespread, often misunderstood form of abuse that is rooted in power and control.
If you’ve experienced this behavior, you’re not alone—and what’s happening to you is not your fault.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without clear, voluntary, and informed consent. It can happen to anyone—and it often involves someone the victim knows.
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual attention—verbal, physical, or technology-based—that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. It can happen in the workplace, at school, online, in public spaces, or even at home.
The workplace remains a common site of harassment, especially for those in customer-facing, lower-wage, or male-dominated roles.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for a promotion, grade, or opportunity
- Sexual jokes, innuendos, or comments about someone’s body or sex life
- Showing or sending explicit photos or messages without consent
- Repeatedly asking someone out after they’ve said no
- Unwelcome touching, groping, or hugging
- Exposing oneself or performing sexual acts in public or inappropriately
Sexual harassment doesn’t always target a specific individual. Comments that demean a group—such as sexist jokes about women or gay people—can also count.
How Common Is Sexual Harassment?
The statistics are staggering:
- 81% of women and 43% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment or sexual assault in their lifetime (Stop Street Harassment Report, 2018)
- More than 50% of students in grades 7–12 experience sexual harassment at school (American Association of University Women)
Is It Harassment, Assault, or Misconduct?
Not sure what the difference is between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct? Here’s how to identify each form of sexual violence:
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, advances, or behaviors that create a hostile environment. It’s typically a civil rights violation.
Sexual assault refers to any sexual act or attempt that occurs without consent—like groping, rape, or forced sexual acts. It is a criminal offense.
Sexual misconduct is a broader, non-legal term that includes both harassment and assault, along with other inappropriate behaviors (even if they’re consensual, like boss-employee relationships in some workplaces).
The Impacts of Stalking & Sexual Harassment
The emotional toll of being repeatedly harassed or stalked can be profound. If you’ve been sexually harassed or stalked, your feelings are valid. Many people experience:
- Emotional effects: Fear, shame, anger, or betrayal
- Mental health impacts: Anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, PTSD
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, sleep issues, fatigue, changes in eating
What You Can Do
- Speak up if you feel safe doing so—clearly say the behavior is unwelcome
- Document what happened with dates, times, and any witnesses
- Report the harassment to HR, your school, or a legal advocate
- Seek emotional support from a counselor or support group
Healing from the effects of sexual harassment takes time—and you don’t have to go through it alone. Here are a few steps that can help:
- Reach out. You can contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone, chat, or text. It’s free, anonymous, and available 24/7.
- Report the crime. Learn about your reporting options and what to expect from the criminal justice system.
- Find an experienced therapist. Look for professionals who specialize in providing mental health support to survivors of trauma.
How You Can Help Others
Even if you’ve never experienced sexual harassment yourself, you can still play a role in preventing it and supporting victims.
- Intervene when safe. Distract, speak up, or get help from an authority.
- Listen without judgment. Believe people when they share their stories.
- Call out harmful behavior. Even jokes can reinforce dangerous norms.
- Create safe spaces—at work, school, and online.
- Educate yourself. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and report abuse.
You Are Not Alone
If someone is making you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or afraid, you don’t have to handle it alone. Everyone deserves to live without fear, and everyone deserves respect. That includes you.
Last updated: July 10, 2025