How to Deal With a Harasser

No person should ever have to deal with being harassed.

Harassment can make everyone feel uncomfortable, even those who are not direct victims of the harassment. Stopping harassment is not the sole responsibility of the victim; rather anyone who witnesses the harassment can help the victim by telling the perpetrator to stop or reporting the actions to a higher authority. If the harasser and his actions are not halted, then the harasser will continue the cycle of harassment, finding new victims that he can harass.

Things You'll Need

• Picture of harasser
• Copies of documents

Instructions

1. 

   Verbally addressing the harassment may be enough to stop the harasser.

   Call the harasser out on his actions. Clearly tell the harasser that his actions are unacceptable and that you will not tolerate such behavior. Speak in a direct and assertive tone when commanding the harasser to stop his offensive actions. Do not apologize, smile or say please when talking to the harasser, as the harasser's offending actions forfeit his rights to civilized communication.

2. 

   Any distinguishing information can help the police identify your harasser.

   Collect information about the harasser. Take a photograph or write down distinguishing features that you can remember about the him. If the harassment happens in a public setting, record information about the make and model of the harasser's car or license plate. Include all information you have collected about the harasser when you report the harassment.

3. 

   It will be easier to prove harassment occurred if you record the incident.

   Document the harassment when it occurs. Write down the time of day, the date, the place where the harassment occurred, any witnesses who saw the harassment and how the harasser verbally or physically harassed you. Record this information every time you are harassed as proof that the harasser's actions are habitual.

4. 

   Tell the authorities you want the harassment to stop immediately.

   Report the information you collected to the proper authority. Tell the harassing individual's manager about his or her actions. Otherwise, report the harassment to the police. Provide the information you collected. Make copies of the documents for your own records before turning any information over to the authorities.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not put yourself in danger when trying to deal with a harassing individual.

References

• University of Alabama at Birmingham: Sexual Harassment---What You Can Do: How Can You Deal With Sexual Harassment?
• Lemondrop; How to Deal With Cat-Callers, Leer-ers and Other Street Harassers; Holly Kearl