What is harassment? Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the laws in many states. Employers can be held liable for harassment by supervisors, co-workers, and nonemployees such as customers or vendors. Employers should have strong policies against sexual harassment and clear procedures for reporting harassment. Sexual harassment training for supervisors and employees should include information on what sexual harassment is, how to prevent it, and how to report harassment at work.

Most states have laws prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace. Some states, including California, Connecticut, and Maine, require sexual harassment training for supervisors. Massachusetts requires employers to adopt a policy against sexual harassment and to give each employee a written copy.