Common Reactions To Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment affects everyone differently. Since each instance of sexual harassment carries its own particular relationships, behaviors, attitudes, and responses, it is hard to predict exactly how you will react until the situation occurs. 

A large part of sexual harassment has to do with power. The person harassing you is using their words and/or actions to affect you. This is often confusing and can lead to mixed feelings about how to handle the situation.

Victims of sexual harassment are often fearful of the consequences that might come from reporting the harassment or embarrassed  by what their co-workers and superiors might think. 

Will they believe me? Will the situation just get worse? What if this was my fault to begin with?  It’s important to remember that sexual harassment is not your fault. You did not ask for this behavior, and in fact, may have expressly asked it to stop. If you have questions about how to handle your claim speak to a sexual harassment lawyer about the details of your case.

The person harassing you may not have understood your personal boundaries at the time of the first offense (depending on the severity), but they certainly do if you’ve told them that their behavior makes you uncomfortable. 

Common reactions to sexual harassment include: 

• Denial
• Embarrassment
• Guilt
• Fear
• Isolation
• Shame

When the offensive person or persons continue harassment, the best thing to do is report the behavior to a supervisor, human resources department, or follow your company’s grievance procedure. 

It is not uncommon for those who experience sexual harassment to feel confused or alone in their situation. These feelings can prevent you from reporting your situation or even discussing it with friends or family. Being able to talk about your experiences is an important part of the healing process and is the first step to resolving your situation. 

There are also sexual harassment support groups available where you can connect with other people who understand the complex emotions you are going through.
 
If you are currently experiencing sexual harassment, know that you are not alone. It is also possible that there are other people in your workplace experiencing  similar circumstances and are as affected by them as you are.

If you would like more information about sexual harassment including what legal options are available, complete this short questionnaire and get connected to experienced sexual harassment lawyers in your area who can explain your legal rights.