How Common Is Sexual Harassment?
of U.S. adults have experienced sexual harassment in some form
- 32% of women experienced it last year; 82% will experience it over a lifetime
- 15% of men experienced it last year; 42% will experience it over a lifetime
How Common Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
The IZA Institute of Labor Economics estimates that at least 1 in every 28 U.S. workers are subjected to sexual harassment each year. This is roughly equivalent to 5,875,000 workers being harassed every year.
of women faculty in academic medicine have experienced sexual harassment.
of workers in New York have experienced sexual harassment.
of women who have founded tech companies say they have been harassed.
of those founders have been propositioned for sex in exchange for funding.
How Often Is Sexual Harassment Reported?
In FY 2024, there were 13,182 charges of harassment filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Using IZA’s data, that means less than 1% of all harassment is reported each year in America.
Per the EEOC, 87% to 94% of workers experiencing harassment DO NOT file formal complaints.
Even internal reporting is low: about 70% never complain internally (and 85%+ never file a formal legal charge).
Why Many People Don’t Report Sexual Harassment
The most common reasons people do not report sexual harassment are fear of discharge (termination) or retaliation.
- 43.5% of EEOC sexual harassment charges (FY 2018–FY 2021) also alleged retaliation.
- 48.3% of EEOC sexual harassment charges also alleged discharge (termination) from the job.
Most Common Forms of Workplace Sexual Harassment, by Gender
Verbal Sexual Harassment
Including unwanted comments, jokes, questions, or insults of a sexual nature, or sexually suggestive or explicit commentary about you, your body, or your clothing
54% of all workers experience Verbal Sexual harassment
- 78% of women will experience this harassment in their lifetime.
- 29% of men will experience this form of harassment.
- 69% of non-binary/gender nonconforming workers are subjected to verbal harassment in their lifetime.
Dating, Coercion and Sexual Threats
Relationships rooted in a power imbalance, generally where a person in authority uses that power to manipulate, pressure, or threaten a subordinate into a relationship
38% of all workers will be pressured into a relationship with someone at work.
- 50% of women will be in a “quid pro quo” style of relationship at work.
- 24% of all men will be forced into a coerced relationship.
- 58% of all non-binary/gender nonconforming employees will be pressured to engage in a relationship at work.
Cyber Sexual Harassment
A “form of sexual harassment occurring through or facilitated by an electronic communications system,” including special media, email, direct messages, text messages, and more.
24% of all workers will experience cyber sexual harassment over their lifetimes.
- 31% of all women will be cyberharassed at work or by a coworker.
- 15% of all men will be cyberharassed at work or by a coworker.
- 48% of all non-binary/gender nonconforming workers will be cyberharassed at work or by a coworker.
Physically Aggressive Sexual Harassment
Including any forms of unwanted touching, including hugging, groping, patting, or squeezing, as well as physically blocking another person’s movements. In some instances, physical harassment crosses the line into assault.
42% of all workers will be physically sexually harassed in their lifetime.
- 59% of all women will experience physical sexual harassment in the workplace.
- 21% of all men will be subjected to unwanted touching or other forms of unwanted physical contact.
- 57% of all non-binary/gender nonconforming workers will be subjected to aggressive, physical, sexual harassment.
Support and Guidance When You’re Feeling Anxious or Afraid
There are many reasons why someone might not want to report workplace sexual harassment through formal channels; people fear retaliation, industry black-listing, interpersonal conflicts at work, being labeled as dramatic and more. HarassmentHelp.org helps people pursue discreet solutions that in many cases never involve formal complaints. We do not pressure anyone into reporting formally, though we are able to help you if you choose to go that route.
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.
We help you understand what’s acceptable in the workplace, what crosses the line, and how the law protects you from harassment and retaliation.
We offer confidential, nonjudgmental support before any formal action, helping you evaluate the safest and most effective steps for your situation.
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.
Get the Facts About Sexual Harassment
If something at work is crossing the line, you deserve clear options, not pressure. Talk it through with the team at HarassmentHelp.org. Consultations are confidential and on your terms.
