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For Those Affected By Harassment

​What harassment entails

​Harassment is conduct or behavior by an individual(s) that may cause another person distress and/or interfere with their working, living, and/or learning environment. It can occur in several places, including the workplace, a school environment, college/university environment, and/or online. There are a variety of people who can be in the position to harass. Some of these include, but are not limited to, bosses, faculty/staff, managers, teachers, colleagues/co-workers, professors, and/or students. Types of harassment include quid pro quo and hostile environment. Here is an example of each: 

  • ​Quid Pro Quo: A professor offers you a better grade in exchange for sexual favors.
  • Hostile Environment: A colleague refers to you as a "slut" and "whore" and repeatedly makes related comments about your appearance. 

You may experience

  • There is no single way in which people respond to harassment.​​
  • Common feelings may include:
    • Fear
    • Annoyance
    • Trapped/Helplessness
    • Confusion
    • Anxiety/Worry
    • Numbness/Disconnected
    • Hopelessness
    • Isolated
  • You may be concerned about how friends, family, co-workers, or your partner will respond or whether or not they will believe you​.

Things to know

  • Experiencing harassment is not your fault. 
  • Talking with a trained advocate can really make a difference.
  • Whether you experienced harassment recently or many years ago, you have the right to safety.
  • You have the right to support and assistance.

Important considerations

  • ​Document all instances of harassment.
  • Contact someone you trust for emotional support.
  • Contact SAPA to speak to an advocate who can answer your questions, discuss safety planning and documentation, provide emotional support, and provide other resources as desired.

Resources