Learn about Abuse

UPDATED March 9, 2009

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What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

• A supervisor makes sexual advances towards you at work against your will.
• You are afraid to say anything because you are scared of losing your job.
• You feel scared and upset at work because your co-workers are always staring at your breasts, telling dirty jokes, and saying sexual things about you.

These are examples of sexual harassment, which is illegal.

Many of us know someone who has been sexually harassed at work. Maybe it has happened to you. But you don’t have to accept sexual harassment as part of a day’s work. It is a form of sex discrimination, and it is against the law.

The law says sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual conduct on the job. It may be pressure for dates or sex, sexual comments, touching (including kissing or grabbing), putting up pornographic pictures, or even rape.

The law says it’s sexual harassment if:

• You didn’t get a job—or lost a job—because you didn’t give in to the harassment;
• You had to go along with the harassment to get a raise or better work schedule; or
• The harassment makes the work site hostile, scary, or uncomfortable.

Sexual harassment can happen to women or men, and the harasser can be a man or woman. A person also can be harassed by someone of the same sex.

You have the right to be free from sexual harassment at work.

If you think you are being sexually harassed, here are some things you can do:

• Tell the harasser that you want it to stop. You can do this in person or in writing.
• Write down what happened. Include when it happened, what you did, whether anyone else saw it, and whom you told about it.
• Talk to other employees if you think they also have been harassed. You can offer each other support and join forces to try to bring an end to the problem.
• Report the harassment to your supervisor and ask that it be stopped. If your supervisor is the harasser, report it to your supervisor’s boss.
• File a formal complaint. If your employer has its own system for reporting problems, or if you are represented by a union, file a formal complaint. Otherwise, talk to the personnel or human resources department.
• Keep copies of everything you send or receive about the harassment from anyone at your job. This will help you show that you reported the harassment and how people responded.

If you have taken these steps and the harassment has not stopped, you can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your local civil rights agency or fair employment office. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to file a charge. In most cases, the charge must be filed no longer than 180 days after the harassment happened.

You also may be able to file a lawsuit in court. You can talk to a lawyer to find out more about your options.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) nationwide toll free numbers are 1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669-6820 (TDD).

Your local fair employment office is probably listed in the state or local government section of your phone book under “Human Rights” or “Civil Rights.” A legal aid office or community organization may also be able to help you or help you find someone who can. You can find legal resources in your area by going to Where to Find Help, choosing your state from the drop-down menu, and clicking on “Finding a Lawyer.”

This information was provided by the National Partnership for Women & Families. Please see the Know Your Rights Handbook on Sexual Harrassment for more information.

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