Sexual harassment can be uncomfortable, scary, and deeply unsettling. Whether it happens at school, work, in public, or even in personal relationships, it’s important to know how to respond, set boundaries, and protect yourself.

This guide will help you handle unwanted attention, respond effectively, and take action to ensure your safety and well-being.

📌 What You Should Know

✔️ Address the behavior directly—let them know it’s inappropriate.
✔️ Stay calm and walk away—don’t give harassers the reaction they want.
✔️ Report repeat offenders—talk to a trusted teacher, HR, or an authority figure.
✔️ Seek support—don’t deal with this alone; confide in a friend, counselor, or family member.

Method 1: Handling Harassment at Work or School 🎓🏢

1️⃣ Tell Them to Stop 🚫

Some people may not realize their behavior is inappropriate. Clearly state that it makes you uncomfortable and must stop.

🔹 What to Say:

“What you said about my body is inappropriate. Please stop.”
“I don’t appreciate these comments. I want you to stop talking to me that way.”

💡 Pro Tip: If possible, speak to the person privately. They may react defensively if called out in front of others.

🚨 If they say things like “I was just joking,” respond:

“Jokes shouldn’t make people feel uncomfortable.”
“Harassment isn’t funny. I need you to stop.”

2️⃣ Walk Away if Needed 🏃‍♀️

If the person continues staring, making comments, or touching you inappropriately, walking away without reacting can be the best strategy.

👀 Why?

Harassers want a reaction—if you ignore them, they might lose interest.
It helps you stay in control and avoid unnecessary confrontation.

💡 Pro Tip: If you feel upset, talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, or HR representative for support.

3️⃣ Avoid Being Alone with the Harasser 🚷

If someone persistently bothers you, take steps to stay in safe, public spaces:

✔️ Walk with friends instead of being alone in hallways or offices.
✔️ Sit in crowded areas rather than isolated corners.
✔️ If you work late, ask a co-worker to walk out with you.

🚨 Important: It’s not your responsibility to “avoid” harassment, but taking precautions can help keep you safe.

4️⃣ Avoid Physical Aggression (Unless Necessary for Defense) ✋

It might be tempting to slap, kick, or hit a harasser, but:

It can escalate the situation, especially if the harasser is aggressive.
They may enjoy provoking you and use it against you.
Violence should be a last resort—use it only if you feel physically threatened.

💡 Pro Tip: Self-defense training can help you feel more empowered if you ever need to protect yourself physically.

5️⃣ Prepare a Response in Advance 📝

If you regularly deal with a repeat offender, prepare what you’ll say or do.

✔️ If someone stares at your chest:

Pause mid-sentence and wait for them to look up before continuing.
Cross your arms to block their view and make eye contact.

✔️ If they make inappropriate comments:

“That’s not okay to say to me.”
“I expect respect. Keep those comments to yourself.”

🚨 If they don’t stop after a warning, escalate it to an authority figure.

6️⃣ Report It 🆘

If the harassment continues despite your clear boundaries, it’s time to report it.

✔️ At School: Speak to a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.
✔️ At Work: Report to HR or a supervisor.
✔️ If Physical or Severe: Consider filing a police report.

🚨 What If No One Listens?

Keep written records (dates, times, and what happened).
Tell another authority figure (school board, higher management).
Seek legal support if necessary.

💡 Pro Tip: Reporting harassment is NOT being dramatic—it’s holding someone accountable for inappropriate behavior.

Method 2: Dealing with Harassment in Public 🏙️

1️⃣ Ignore It (When Safe to Do So) 👀

If a stranger stares, makes comments, or catcalls, ignoring them is often the fastest way to shut it down.

✔️ Walk away confidently and don’t engage.
✔️ Avoid eye contact—they may be looking for a reaction.
✔️ Move toward a crowded area if you feel unsafe.

🚨 If Someone Follows You:

Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Enter a store or public place and ask for help.

2️⃣ Speak Up (If You Feel Safe) 📢

If ignoring doesn’t work, call them out directly in a calm, firm tone.

🔹 What to Say:

“That’s harassment. Stop talking about my body.”
“I don’t appreciate this. Walk away.”

🚨 If they persist:

Take out your phone and record.
Say loudly: “I am recording you because this is harassment.”
Ask a nearby store owner, security guard, or bystander for help.

💡 Pro Tip: Calling attention to the situation often embarrasses the harasser and makes them back off.

3️⃣ Use Confident Body Language 💪

Standing tall and looking confident makes you a less easy target.

✔️ Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
✔️ Make eye contact if you’re confronting them.
✔️ Speak firmly and loudly—don’t mumble.

🚨 If You Feel Unsafe:

Keep your phone in hand and pretend to call someone.
Move towards a group of people or a well-lit area.

Method 3: Handling Harassment in Personal Relationships 🏠

1️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries

If a friend, partner, or loved one makes inappropriate comments, call it out.

🔹 What to Say:

“I don’t like those comments. Please stop.”
“That makes me uncomfortable. I need you to respect my boundaries.”

🚨 If they dismiss your concerns:

“I’m serious. If you keep doing this, I will walk away.”
Enforce consequences (reduce contact, stop texting, block them if necessary).

2️⃣ Change the Subject

If someone keeps making inappropriate comments, redirect the conversation.

🔹 Examples:

Them: “Wow, your body looks great today.”
You: “Have you tried that new restaurant downtown?”

💡 Pro Tip: Repeating this technique can train them to stop.

3️⃣ Consider Cutting Ties

If someone continues disrespecting your boundaries, you may need to distance yourself.

✔️ Reduce contact (avoid meeting alone).
✔️ Block them if they persist.
✔️ End the relationship (if it’s a partner who won’t respect you).

🚨 If It’s a Family Member: