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How to Handle Stop Harassment Step by Step
When stop harassment leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.
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1
Identify the person harassing you.
When you confront your harasser, call them out by name. If you don't know their name, use a description that distinguishes them from other people around you. This can be especially helpful if someone is harassing you in a public place because it draws others' attention to the harassment.
- Call them out by name if possible
- Use a description if you don't know their name
- Be aware of your surroundings
- When you confront your harasser, call them out by name.
- If you don't know their name, use a description that distinguishes them from other people around you.
2
Tell your harasser that their comments or actions are not welcome.
Speak in a loud, clear voice with an even tone. After identifying your harasser, tell them explicitly to stop whatever they're doing that's harassing you. Some examples of what you might say include: Allison Broennimann, PhD Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview
- Be direct and clear
- Use specific examples of their behavior
- Avoid being aggressive or confrontational
- Speak in a loud, clear voice with an even tone.
- After identifying your harasser, tell them explicitly to stop whatever they're doing that's harassing you.
3
Let your harasser know what you want them to do.
After telling your harasser what you don't want them to do, you may want to add a statement about what kind of comments or actions are welcome. This is more appropriate if you're in a situation where you know the person harassing you. Allison Broennimann, PhD Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview Some examples of thin
- Be specific about what is and isn't welcome
- Use "I" statements to express your feelings
- Avoid apologetic or hesitant language
- After telling your harasser what you don't want them to do, you may want to add a statement about what kind of comments or actions are welcome.
- This is more appropriate if you're in a situation where you know the person harassing you.
4
Remove yourself from the situation if the person persists.
If the person continues harassing you after you've told them clearly that their behavior is not welcome, it's typically best for you to find a way to get away from them as quickly as possible. In situations where it isn't possible for you to completely leave, try to put as much space between you and your harasser as possible.
- Prioritize your safety above all else
- Use physical barriers or distance to create space
- Don't engage with the harasser further
- If the person continues harassing you after you've told them clearly that their behavior is not welcome, it's typically best for you to find a way to get away from them as quickly as possible.
- In situations where it isn't possible for you to completely leave, try to put as much space between you and your harasser as possible.
5
Reporting the Harassment
Know who to call in an emergency Keep detailed records of the harassment Be prepared to provide evidence Inform your supervisor or HR department if you're being harassed at work Contact local law enforcement for in-person harassment Report phone harassment to your phone company Alert website administrators about online harassment
- Know who to call in an emergency
- Keep detailed records of the harassment
- Be prepared to provide evidence
- Inform your supervisor or HR department if you're being harassed at work
- Contact local law enforcement for in-person harassment
- Report phone harassment to your phone company
- Alert website administrators about online harassment
6
Filing for a Restraining Order
Gather evidence before filing Understand the process and requirements Be prepared for a possible court appearance Know what to expect during the court hearing Have your harasser served with the petition Attend the court hearing and be prepared to testify Keep copies of your restraining order with you at all times
- Gather evidence before filing
- Understand the process and requirements
- Be prepared for a possible court appearance
- Know what to expect during the court hearing
- Have your harasser served with the petition
- Attend the court hearing and be prepared to testify
- Keep copies of your restraining order with you at all times
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References
- https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2011/10/23/how-to-respond-to-a-harasser-10-things-to-say/
- https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment
- https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/02/sexual-harassment
- https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/how-put-end-unwanted-or-harassing-phone-calls
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/bullying-safety-privacy/bullying/bullying-social-media
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/getting-restraining-order
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