You may feel confused. You may worry that you are overreacting. You may be concerned that you may have encouraged the harasser. You may think that the situation is not serious enough to report. Remember, you are not responsible for the harasser’s behaviors. However, you are responsible for taking care of yourself. Here are some suggestions for actions you may take:
Clearly state your concerns.
Let the harasser know that you find the behavior offensive.
Keep a written record.
If the behavior is repeated (whether or not you have confronted it), log specific dates, times, locations, and behaviors to assist you if you decide to file a complaint in the future.
Talk to someone.
Telling a friend, a co-worker or counselor can help you decide the next course of action. You are probably not alone in considering the harassing behavior objectionable. You may not be the only on being harassed.
Any person who knows about a harassment problem is strongly encouraged to report it. The university’s Policy Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct forbids retaliation for reporting a sexual harassment problem.
Often sexual harassment complaints can be resolved informally, especially if the complainant is primarily interested in putting a stop to the offending behavior. The policy also provides for procedures when the complainant wishes to pursue the matter more formally.