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Words can harm, too. If your boss, manager, or co-worker keeps making sexual jokes, inappropriate comments, or crude remarks about your appearance, body, or personal life, it may be verbal sexual harassment—and it’s not something you have to tolerate.
Just Because It Isn’t Physical Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t Harmful
Sexual harassment doesn’t always involve touching. Verbal sexual harassment includes unwanted comments, jokes, questions, or insults of a sexual nature, whether spoken aloud, written in private messages, whispered quietly so only you can hear them, or shared in front of others. Sometimes the words may seem innocent on the surface but are intended as a double entendre that you understand—even if others do not.
Verbal sexual harassment does more than make your job harder: it can make you feel unsafe and create a hostile work environment. It can erode your confidence not only in your job, but in the personal choices you make about how you dress, how you behave, and how you speak to others. That is the insidious nature of harassment; it can make you feel powerless. If you’re experiencing repeated sexual comments, crude jokes, or inappropriate remarks from a co-worker or supervisor, you have rights.
Who We Are – HarassmentHelp.org
HarassmentHelp.org is a project of Phillips & Associates PLLC, a law firm focused on workplace sexual harassment and employee rights. Created by award-winning sexual harassment lawyers, we provide confidential support and safeguard employees from retaliation to end harassment, recover compensation, and protect their careers.
The HarassmentHelp.org RGA Approach
We guide you through RGA — Rights, Guidance, and Action, a safe and supportive process designed to help you protect yourself, preserve your career, and stop the harassment.
- Rights – Understand Your Protections
We help you understand what’s acceptable in the workplace, what crosses the line, and how the law protects you from harassment and retaliation. - Guidance – Build Your Case Safely
We offer confidential, nonjudgmental support before any formal action, helping you evaluate the safest and most effective steps for your situation. - Action – Take Steps With Full Support
You never have to face harassment on your own. We can help you create a plan that feels safe and manageable, and connect you with trusted sexual harassment attorneys who can draft complaints, handle communication for you, or work toward a private resolution.
Know Your Rights, Know Your Options
What Are Your Rights?
Verbal sexual harassment—including offensive jokes, sexually suggestive comments, flirty or creepy remarks, or questions about your appearance or sex life—is a form of illegal workplace discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Many states have even stronger protections. Whether it happens in person, over email, via text, or in meetings, if it’s unwelcome and persistent, you can take legal action.
Do You Have to Report Sexual Harassment Before Doing Anything Else?
Not always. But in some cases, like when there’s a workplace policy and the harasser is a co-worker or supervisor, you may need to report it first. Let us help you understand your rights and guide your next step.
What Counts as Inappropriate or Sexual Comments at Work?
Verbal sexual harassment includes any sexually-charged or gender-based spoken or written language that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or objectified. These actions often escalate over time and may seem minor at first, but repeated behavior creates harm. Examples include:
- Sexual comments about your body, appearance, or clothing
- Repeated sexual jokes or crude humor in meetings
- Co-workers or bosses making innuendos or suggestive remarks
- Unwanted flirting or persistent compliments with a sexual tone
- Questions about your sex life or sexual orientation
- “Locker room talk” or explicit stories
- Sounds like wolf-whistling or kissing noises in your presence
- Being pressured to laugh at inappropriate jokes
Case Study: “It Was Just a Joke—Until I Couldn’t Take It Anymore”
“Vanessa” worked in a corporate sales office where team culture revolved around banter, happy hours, and “letting loose.” At first, she didn’t mind the jokes—until they started targeting her.
One co-worker regularly commented on her outfits: “Wow, you’re really trying to distract us today.” Another joked in meetings about needing a “cold shower” after seeing her presentation.
The comments were often followed by laughter or a quick, “Relax, it’s just a joke.” But they weren’t funny to Vanessa. She began to dread walking into meetings or group chats, anticipating who would say something next.
When she finally asked them to stop, her co-workers began calling her “uptight” and “overly sensitive.” Her manager told her to “just ignore it.” But Vanessa couldn’t. The stress began affecting her work and her mental health.
Eventually, she sought guidance. With legal support, Vanessa documented the harassment and a complaint was made. The company investigated and issued disciplinary actions. Vanessa received a settlement and got a new job—one where respect wasn’t optional.
The Impact of Sexual Comments and Inappropriate Remarks
When sexual jokes, inappropriate comments, or verbal advances are ignored or normalized in a workplace, they can take a serious toll:
- Emotional Strain: Anxiety, anger, fear, or self-doubt
- Workplace Stress: Avoiding people or locations, feeling dread coming into work, or being distracted
- Physical Symptoms: Sleep issues, fatigue, headaches
- Professional Setbacks: Skipping meetings, avoiding leadership roles, or withdrawing from opportunities. Even if the behavior seems like “just words,” it’s your right to work in a space free from sexual hostility or pressure.
What To Do If You Are Experiencing Verbal Sexual Harassment at Work
If you’re experiencing harassment, here’s how the RGA approach works in real life:
Document What Happened
Write down the incident details as soon as possible—date, time, location, who was involved, and exactly what was said or done. Note any witnesses and save relevant messages, emails, or voicemails. The more detail you record, the stronger your case becomes.
Decide Whether to Confront the Harasser
You are not required to confront the person harassing you. Only consider it if you feel completely safe and supported. In some cases, telling them their behavior is inappropriate and unwelcome may stop it. If you’re unsure, uncomfortable, or fear retaliation, we’ll help you evaluate safer alternatives.
Report the Behavior—Safely and Strategically
Reporting harassment without preparation can be risky. We may be able to help you:
- Prepare a complaint or other communication with clear legal language that documents your rights.
- File a formal complaint with your employer or HR in a way that creates a legal record.
Even if your workplace doesn’t have an HR department, a written complaint to a manager, owner, or supervisor still matters. If harassment comes from a customer or client, your employer is still responsible for addressing it.
Explore a Quiet Resolution Before Filing a Formal Complaint
Sometimes you may want to resolve the situation without going public. Our attorneys can:
- Prepare a confidential summary of events.
- Outline the harm done and your legal protections.
- Communicate directly with your employer respectfully but firmly.
This approach can result in an immediate end to harassment, schedule or department changes, removal of the harasser, or a mediated agreement—without public exposure.
How HarassmentHelp.org Supports You Every Step of the Way
Here’s what working with us looks like from start to finish:
- Confidential Conversation – Share your story in a safe space — no pressure to act right away.
- Evidence Building – We help you keep detailed records of incidents, messages, and witnesses.
- Strategy – Connect you with top sexual harassment attorneys who can help with preparing complaints, filing complaints on your behalf, or pursuing private resolutions.
- Protection from Retaliation – Take proactive steps to safeguard your job, career, and reputation.
