Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to someone (United Nations).

All genders can be the victim or the perpetrator of sexual harassment, assault or abuse. According to RAINN, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, with almost half a million victims each year in the United States.

The statistics however also show a higher rate of sexual violence in younger people, women and girls, as well as transgender people.

1 in 3 women globally experience sexual violence. 

81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. Among those reporting harassment or assault, 30.8% of women and 19.8% of men reported depression or anxiety as a consequence.

Black men are far more likely to have been sexually harassed by a colleague than men of other backgrounds.

According to a AHRC report, nine in ten (89%) women with disabilities have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

Women and racial and ethnic minority groups experience a higher burden of sexual violence. For example, more than 2 in 5 non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native and non-Hispanic multiracial women were raped in their lifetime.

It is crucial that we raise awareness and support for victims of sexual harassment to support people affected and equip them with the resources they need to process and heal.

Please visit our global list of helplines for local and online support.