Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Understand your rights, explore your options, and take the first step toward a safer workplace.
Workplace Sexual Harassment Is Often About Power
Most workers, at some point or another, have to negotiate the power dynamics of their job. Maybe there’s a boss who’s a little too familiar, or a supervisor who speaks to some employees differently than others. Workplace sexual harassment occurs when a person in power chooses to flaunt or abuse that power, and you are the target. It is an isolating experience, and it can affect your self-worth, your physical and mental health, your job performance, and your future employment opportunities.
You may feel alone, but you are not. HarassmentHelp.org offers confidential, judgment-free support to help you find your footing. We won’t ever ask to share more than you’re comfortable with, and you’ll stay in control of every step.
HarassmentHelp.org is a national workplace sexual harassment and employee rights organization. Founded by award-winning sexual harassment lawyers, we provide confidential guidance, protect employees from retaliation, and connect victims nationwide with top attorneys to stop harassment, secure compensation, and safeguard careers.
Know Your Rights, Know Your Options
What Are Your Employee Rights in the Workplace?
As an employee, you have important protections under federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sexual harassment and discrimination by employers with 15 or more employees.
Beyond federal protections, many states offer even broader coverage. Many require harassment prevention training and have specific reporting procedures in place. These state laws may also provide longer timeframes to file complaints, helping ensure more people have access to the protections they deserve.
Do You Have to Report Workplace 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.
Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Verbal Harassment
Unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, questions, or remarks, whether made in person or through a written message. Learn how to recognize verbal harassment and stand up to harmful language.
Non-Verbal Harassment
Gestures, looks, or displays with sexual meaning, like leering, suggestive facial expressions, or the sharing of explicit images. Discover ways to document and address these silent but harmful behaviors.
Physical Harassment
Physical contact, such as brushing up against you or any other type of unwanted touching that violates your personal space. Find out how to protect your boundaries and report physical harassment safely.
Consensual or Coerced Relationships
When someone in a position of power at work demands sexual favors in exchange for promotions, job security, or other benefits, it’s considered harassment. Understand your options if you face this kind of coercion or quid pro quo harassment.
Off-Site Sexual Harassment
Unwanted sexual behavior during business trips, after-hours events, or even online interactions related to your job. Learn what steps you can take when harassment happens outside the workplace.
Retaliation for Rejecting or Reporting Sexual Harassment
Facing demotion, hostility, or other punishment after reporting harassment is illegal but unfortunately common. Know your rights and how to respond if you experience retaliation for speaking up.
Sexual Assault
Any non-consensual sexual act, including forced touching, penetration, or other sexual contact, whether it occurs at work, during work-related events, or on business travel. Learn how you can protect yourself and get support.
Supporting Every Employee
We support employees dealing with sexual harassment in a wide range of industries because every workplace has its own challenges. Whether your job involves interacting closely with clients, managing complex projects behind the scenes, or working in high-stakes environments, we offer resources tailored to your experience.
We guide you through RGA — Rights, Guidance, and Action — a safe and supportive process designed to help you protect yourself, understand your options, and take steps that feel right for you.
- Rights – Know Your Protections
You deserve to feel safe at work. We’ll help you understand what behaviors cross the line, what your legal protections are, and how the law addresses sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation. - Guidance – Explore Your Options Safely
You don’t have to decide anything alone. We offer confidential, nonjudgmental support so you can think through medical, emotional, and legal options at your own pace. - Action – Take Next 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.
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.
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.
- Retaliation Guidance – Understand your rights and what steps to take if your employer pushes back.
How HarassmentHelp.org Supports You Every Step of the Way
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 – Decide whether to prepare a complaint, negotiate quietly, or connect with a lawyer.
Protection from Retaliation – Take proactive steps to safeguard your job, career, and reputation.
