In 2025, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that 81% of women and 43% of men experienced some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. Workplace harassment charges filed with the EEOC between 2018 and 2021 involved sexual harassment, accounting for 27.7% of all charges. Sexual harassment claims are mostly filed by women.
Victims of sexual harassment have several legal options to make the harasser accountable. These options can come in the form of a restraining order or a civil claim. A criminal complaint can also be lodged with the relevant court. Some states consider sexual harassment a crime in both civil and criminal courts.
Knowing what your legal rights and options are will help you obtain justice.
Understanding Your Rights as a Victim of Sexual Harassment
You can protect and defend yourself from sexual harassment by having knowledge of the relevant laws.
Workers should be able to work without worrying about unwanted advances or inappropriate behaviors. Workers who report incidents of harassment are not allowed to face retaliation from their employers.
Employment laws obligate employers to support and defend someone who reports a sexual harassment incident.
Seek legal action if necessary. You have the right to privacy, and your experiences must never be disclosed without your consent.
Knowing your rights can empower you to advocate for yourself and demand a safer work environment.
Reporting the Harassment: Internal and External Avenues
After experiencing sexual harassment, avail yourself of the internal procedures that are in place at your company. Talk to your supervisor or the HR department first.
Keep a record of everything concerning the alleged act, noting dates, times, and witnesses to support your case eventually. Stay updated with your organization’s harassment policy to determine if you follow the process correctly.
Try external means if you do not feel at ease with using internal channels. Advocacy groups or hotlines are available to provide you with emotional support. You can also speak with close friends or family members you can trust.
Filing a Formal Complaint with Relevant Authorities
Achieving justice for sexual harassment will start with the filing of a formal complaint.
Collect all possible evidence you can think of, like emails, messages, and any witness statements that may support your story. Obtain copies of all of the documents you submitted.
Identify who has jurisdiction in your case. Internally, the responsible parties may include the HR department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or local authorities.
Provide a clear and concise account of your experience. See to it that all important details about the harassment are included. Tell how the experience affected you and your life.
Be assertive in asking for the investigation to continue and for ongoing support. You will feel empowered to stand for yourself as you take these steps.
Pursuing Legal Action: Lawsuits and Legal Claims
In case you feel dissatisfied with the solution or the harassment goes on despite a formal complaint, you can file a suit.
Your employer may also face legal action if the harasser has not responded appropriately. Prove the case by gathering evidence like emails, text messages, or even witness statements.
The lawyer will guide you through the process and help you come up with a decision. Know the statutes of limitations that apply to your case. These legal deadlines set a limited time to file your case.
Your lawyer will check the damages you may pursue for your case. These damages can come in the form of compensatory damages or punitive damages.
Seeking Supportive Measures and Resources for Survivors
Use the different resources available to recover from the experience.
Tap into the emotional support of friends or family members. Engage support groups to explore interactions with other victims. Psychological counseling with a trained therapist can help you sort out your feelings and work on strategies.
There are many organizations that can provide resources to aid the victims, such as hotlines, legal aid, etc. Look into what your institution or office might provide, such as a Title IX coordinator or the Human Resources department. Never hesitate to seek this help.
A lawyer specializing in sexual harassment has an important role in handling your case. Do not forget that all employees deserve to be heard and protected.