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Sexual Harassment Awareness Hub

Home   /   Sexual Harassment Awareness Hub

Content warning: This page discusses sensitive themes that may be upsetting to some readers.
As of October 2024, employers have a legal duty to proactively prevent sexual harassment under the Worker Protection Act, requiring them to take reasonable steps to stop it before it happens.

From April 2026, this duty begins to strengthen further under the Employment Rights Act, with sexual harassment explicitly recognised as a protected whistleblowing disclosure – giving employees greater protection to speak up and increasing accountability for employers. Read more about the protections here.

Most organisations think they’re protected. Many aren’t.

If harassment is happening in your workplace today – would you know?

Explore practical guidance, real-world examples, and proven strategies to prevent harm, reduce risk, and build a culture where people feel safe to speak up.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, which is intended to, or has the effect of, violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. If someone feels harassed, it is harassment. It’s not about the intent; it’s about the impact. If someone feels uncomfortable, intimidated, or unsafe – it matters.  Read our full definition of harassment.

6 real-world examples

1
Repeated comments about appearance
Ongoing remarks, even framed as compliments, can create discomfort or pressure. 
2
Sexual jokes or "banter"
Comments that some perceive as harmless humour can offend or exclude others. 
3
Unwanted physical contact
This include standing too close, touching, hugging, or proximity that continues after discomfort is expressed. 
4
Inappropriate messages, images or videos
Shared via email, personal messaging platforms, or social media, including outside working hours. 
5
Sexual comments linked to power
Suggestions that career opportunities, protection, or progression are based on a personal sexual favour. 
6
Suggestive looks, staring or leering
Non-verbal behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable, unsafe or objectified.

Swipe to explore

How prevalent is sexual harassment?

Percentages tell part of the story – but when you translate them into real people in your organisation, how many individuals are actually experiencing harassment right now? 
72% of the UK population have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime (Gov UK)
56% of women have been sexually harassed at work (Unite the Union)
34% of men have experienced sexual harassment in the last year (Gov UK)
50% of victims who reported harassment at work saw their jobs change as a result (Gov UK)
In a company of 500 employees, that could mean 25–35 people are affected right now. 

Most sexual harassment is never reported

What are the barriers to reporting?

 

1
Prevention is treated as a compliance task rather than a leadership responsibility
2
Employees and managers struggle to recognise early warning signs
3
Training often focuses on rules, not real-world behaviour
4
Reporting feels risk, confusing, or pointless
Silence doesn’t mean it isn’t happening; it's often a symptom of a broken culture where people don’t feel safe to speak up.

Sexual Harassment Awareness Programmes

Our sexual harassment awareness programmes help organisations move beyond compliance to meaningful prevention. We offer e‑learning, workshops, training programmes, and bespoke solutions, tailored to your organisation’s unique needs and designed to support diverse employees, stakeholders, and third parties you work with.

Our sexual harassment awareness programmes help participants to:

  • Recognise unacceptable behaviour early
  • Understand rights and responsibilities at work
  • Respond appropriately to concerns and disclosures
  • Contribute to a safer, more respectful culture

Are you truly protecting your employees from sexual harassment?

 

If harassment is happening in your organisation, prevention can’t wait.

Take action now to reduce risk, build trust, and create a workplace where people feel safe.
STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT