Victims of sexual harassment can suffer significant psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, headaches, sleep disorders, weight loss or gain, nausea, lowered self-esteem and sexual dysfunction.

What is harassment and why is it harmful?

Workplace harassment is a discriminatory pattern of behavior that creates a hostile work environment based on a protected class. It may involve verbal abuse, abuse of power, sexual quid pro quo, and assault such as unwanted groping.

What are the negative effects of harassment?

Harassment is associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as diminished self-esteem, self-confidence, and psychological well-being (see Pryor and Fitzgerald 2003; Welsh 1999; Willness, Steel, and Lee 2007 for reviews).