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Types of Sexual Harassment
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Sexual harassment is an issue no one should have to face, yet it’s more common than many of us realise. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the BBC found that 40% of women and 18% of men reported experiencing unwanted sexual behaviours at work. This behaviour not only creates an unsafe environment but can also have a serious impact on your mental health, wellbeing, and career.
Whether you’ve been directly affected or are seeking to better understand the issue, this article will help you identify the different types of sexual harassment, understand why it’s so harmful, and explore ways to get the support you deserve.
Sexual harassment is never your fault, and recognising it is the first step towards taking back control.
Let’s unpack the facts together.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment happens when someone behaves in a way of a sexual nature that makes you feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or upset. It can take many forms, like inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, or gestures that make you feel uneasy.
This behaviour can happen anywhere, including at work. It’s important to know what sexual harassment looks like so you can recognise it and take action.
There are different ways sexual harassment can show up:
- Words: This includes things like sexual jokes, comments about someone’s appearance or private life, or repeated flirting that isn’t welcome.
- Actions without words: Examples are suggestive gestures, staring in a way that feels intrusive, or sending sexual images or messages. Even putting up sexually explicit pictures in a shared space counts.
- Physical actions: This could be touching, groping, or any kind of physical contact that’s unwanted. Sometimes it’s less obvious, like standing too close in a way that feels uncomfortable.
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or position. It’s not just limited to co-workers—it can also come from managers, clients, or others in your environment. Often, it’s tied to power, where someone uses their role or influence to intimidate or control.
In the UK, sexual harassment is illegal under the Equality Act 2010.
How Sexual Harassment Affects Your Mental and Physical Health
Sexual harassment can take a serious toll on both your mind and body. It can leave you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling with low self-esteem. For some, it may even lead to symptoms of PTSD, like nightmares, flashbacks, or feeling constantly on edge.
If the harassment happens at work or somewhere you can’t avoid, it often creates a lasting sense of fear and insecurity. This can make it hard to focus, lower your confidence, and even affect your productivity. Over time, you might withdraw socially or find it tough to trust others in personal or professional relationships.
Stress from harassment doesn’t just stay in your head; it shows up in your body too. You might get headaches, feel tired all the time, or have trouble sleeping. Some people experience stomach issues or feel generally unwell. If the stress goes on for too long, it can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get sick.
What makes things worse is that many people feel ashamed, embarrassed, or think they’re to blame. These feelings can stop you from getting the help you need or reporting what happened. It’s a harmful cycle that can make both your mental and physical health worse.
To break this cycle, it’s important to understand how sexual harassment affects health. Workplaces and organisations have a responsibility to create safe environments where people feel supported and respected. When they take harassment seriously, it helps protect your wellbeing and makes it easier to move forward.
Why Does Sexual Harassment at Work Often Go Unreported?
Sexual harassment at work is far too common, but many people choose not to speak up about it.
One big reason is fear of retaliation. Imagine reporting harassment by a manager or senior colleague—there’s a real worry about losing your job, being passed over for promotions, or being excluded from key projects. This fear can make it feel safer to stay silent, even when the behaviour is deeply upsetting.
Shame and embarrassment are also common barriers. Sexual harassment is personal, and talking about it can feel uncomfortable or humiliating. Many people fear being judged or blamed, as though they somehow caused the behaviour. This can be especially tough in environments where the culture is unsupportive.
Another problem is a lack of trust in the system. Many employees worry that their complaint won’t be taken seriously or kept confidential. For example, someone might avoid reporting a co-worker’s inappropriate jokes if they believe HR will just brush it off or label it as “harmless fun.” Without faith in the process, why would anyone risk the stress of speaking up?
Workplace culture plays a big role too. In some offices, inappropriate behaviour is minimised or even seen as “just how things are.” If people around you laugh off rude comments or inappropriate gestures, it can feel like there’s no point in complaining—it might even make things worse.
Finally, some people don’t realise what’s happened to them counts as sexual harassment. For example, a junior employee might not know that repeated personal questions or unwanted physical closeness from a colleague are unacceptable and should be addressed.
To tackle these barriers, workplaces need to focus on education, clear reporting procedures, and a commitment to supporting anyone who comes forward.
How Sexual Harassment Can Show Up at Work
Sexual harassment at work can look different depending on the situation. Some actions are obvious, while others might be more subtle, but all are harmful and unacceptable.
Here’s how sexual harassment might show up in the workplace:
- Verbal Harassment: This includes making sexual jokes or comments, or using inappropriate language about someone’s body or private life. It can also mean persistently asking someone out even after they’ve said no.
- Non-Verbal Harassment: This can be sending sexually explicit emails or messages, or making suggestive facial expressions, like leering or winking. It might also include putting up offensive pictures or content on your computer or in shared spaces.
- Physical Harassment: Unwanted touching or getting too close physically is a common form. This might involve brushing against someone deliberately or standing too close, making them feel uncomfortable. It can even go as far as physical assault.
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This type of harassment involves someone in a position of power, like a manager, offering career benefits—such as a promotion or job security—in exchange for sexual favours. It can also include threats, like saying someone could lose their job or be demoted if they refuse unwanted advances.
- Environmental Harassment: This happens when a workplace culture allows inappropriate behaviour to become normal. It could be a team where people constantly make sexual jokes or remarks, or an office that doesn’t take complaints seriously, making employees feel unsafe.
These behaviours can come from anyone in the workplace—colleagues, managers, or even clients. It’s important to recognise the different forms of sexual harassment so that everyone can take action and create a safer, more respectful environment.
Subtle Forms of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Subtle sexual harassment can be hard to spot because it often looks like harmless behaviour or casual interactions. But even though these actions may seem minor, they can have a big impact on someone’s wellbeing, confidence, and sense of safety at work. Recognising these subtle forms of harassment is key to making sure everyone feels respected.
One common subtle form is when inappropriate comments are disguised as jokes. These might include remarks with sexual undertones or double meanings that leave the person feeling uncomfortable or disrespected. For example, a comment about someone’s body or appearance that seems like a “compliment” but actually makes them feel uneasy.
Compliments that focus too much on someone’s looks or personal life can also cross the line, especially when they’re unwelcome. Constantly bringing up how someone looks or commenting on their clothes might seem harmless, but if it’s repeated and makes the person feel uncomfortable, it’s crossing a boundary.
Non-verbal harassment is another subtle form. This can include things like staring at someone for too long, making suggestive gestures, or standing too close to invade personal space. Even without words, these actions can make someone feel threatened or uneasy.
Sometimes, unwanted attention can be disguised as friendliness. For example, someone might repeatedly try to start personal conversations, send texts after hours, or give gifts that suggest romantic interest. This can pressure the person and make them feel trapped in an uncomfortable situation.
Power dynamics can make subtle harassment even harder to address. If someone in a senior role is the one crossing boundaries, the person being harassed might feel too intimidated to speak up or worry about retaliation. This can create a toxic environment where the harassment continues unchecked. We’ll take a deeper look into this.
Sexual Harassment by Leaders
When leaders engage in sexual harassment, it can be especially harmful. Leaders hold power, and their actions can have a lasting impact on their employees, both professionally and personally. This kind of harassment can show up in many ways, often combining overt and subtle actions.
A common example of harassment by leaders is quid pro quo harassment. This happens when a leader offers promotions, pay rises, or favours in exchange for sexual favours. On the flip side, an employee may be threatened with demotion or dismissal if they reject such advances. This creates a high-pressure situation where employees feel forced to comply, even if they don’t want to.
Leaders can also contribute to a hostile work environment through inappropriate comments, jokes, or actions that sexualise or degrade employees.
Sometimes, leaders may subtly show favouritism toward employees they’re attracted to, creating an unfair workplace culture. This kind of behaviour can lead to resentment among colleagues and break down trust in the organisation.
What makes sexual harassment by leaders so challenging to address is the power dynamic. Employees might be afraid to speak up, fearing retaliation like being passed over for career opportunities, getting poor performance reviews, or even losing their job. The structure of many workplaces can also make employees doubt that their complaints will be taken seriously, leaving them feeling stuck.
It’s essential to recognise that leaders have a responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful work environment. When they misuse their power, it creates a toxic culture where employees feel unable to speak out. Addressing this behaviour and providing clear channels for reporting harassment are key steps to ensuring everyone feels safe at work.
Getting Support if you Experience Sexual Harassment at Work
If you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work, it’s completely understandable to feel distressed and alone. It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through this by yourself, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and get the support you need. The first step is understanding the types of sexual harassment and how to respond.
Here are some actions you can take if you find yourself in this situation:
Document the Incident
Start by keeping a record of what happened. Write down details like dates, times, locations, and who may have witnessed the event. Having a clear record can be really helpful if you decide to report what’s happened.
Talk to Someone You Trust
It can help to share your experience with someone you trust, whether it’s a colleague, friend, or family member. Talking about what’s going on might not only provide emotional support but also give you a different perspective on the situation.
Review Your Workplace Policies
Take a look at your workplace’s policies on harassment. Most organisations have procedures in place to help you and ensure a safe working environment. Understanding these can guide you on how to proceed.
Report the Harassment
If you feel able to, speak to your manager, HR, or a designated harassment officer. It’s important to follow your company’s procedures so that your concerns are formally recognised and addressed.
Seek External Advice
If you don’t feel comfortable reporting it within your workplace or if your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, you can reach out to external organisations like ACAS, Citizens Advice, or the Equality and Human Rights Commission. These organisations can offer you guidance on what to do next.
Consider Professional Support
Speaking to a counsellor or therapist could also help you process what you’re going through and manage the emotional toll. These professionals can provide the support and coping strategies you need during this challenging time.
Dealing with sexual harassment takes immense courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your voice is heard, and your wellbeing is protected. Your safety and mental health matter, and support is available to help you through it.
Originally published: 28/01/2025
Last updated: 28/01/2025