As the above examples illustrate, three common relationships in which sexual harassment occurs are teacher/student, employer/employee, and doctor/patient. Each of these relationships involves a power imbalance that is exploited. Such behavior is inappropriate, unethical, discriminatory and illegal. Yet, it continues to occur.

UCLA policy defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for special favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” when there are explicit or implicit threats about involvement in University activities or evaluation of academic or personnel issues. According to this policy, sexual harassment may also include the creation of an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive University environment”.

The impact of sexual harassment on the victim can sometimes be quite severe. The victim may feel depressed, angry, or feel somehow responsible for “inviting” the harassment. Victims may also feel that they should have been more assertive, or may feel helpless and frustrated because they fear that exposing the abuse might threaten a grade, an evaluation, or pursuing a major or career. Shame and embarrassment may also follow the harassment, especially in the case of a female perpetrator and male victim when the male is told he should feel "lucky." Additionally, sexual harassment can instill fear and a sense of isolation in the victim, who can feel alienated in a conspiracy of dutiful silence. These varied, sometimes overwhelming, emotions are normal reactions to a personal violation.

Often, sexual harassment can result in such symptoms of depression as sadness, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep habits. Victimized behavior such as dropping or failing a class and quitting a job may also result. These reactions are understandable given the trauma of sexual harassment.

What can you do if you have been sexually harassed? First, share your feelings and get emotional support. Talk to a friend or family member, or contact a campus resource such as The Counseling Center or the Center for Women and Men.  Reaching out to someone will validate your feelings and perceptions and help you overcome your isolation.

Some victims of harassment decide to confront the perpetrator either in person or through a letter. If you decide to confront, be sure to document all the details of the incidents and then clearly describe them. Clearly communicate your disapproval of the behavior and state your thoughts, feelings and reactions to what occurred. Finally, state what you would like to see happen. This might be a re-reading of your work and re-evaluation of your grade, a cessation of the harassment, or a return to a purely professional relationship. If you decide to confront the harasser in person, you might decide to bring along another person to provide support and to serve as a witness.

You may choose to pursue a more formal option, such as filing a report to a Department Chair, supervisor, boss, or other appropriate governing body. The university’s Sexual Harassment Information Centers have counselors who are trained in the investigation and resolution of harassment complaints. These centers include the Campus Human Resources/Employee and Labor Relations Office, the Campus Ombuds Office, the Center for Student Programming, the Center for Women and Men, the Office of Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs, the Medical Center Human Resources/Employee and Labor Relations Office, the Sexual Harassment Coordinator/Title IX Officer, The Counseling Center, and the University Extension Dean’s Office. Trained, sensitive staff at these offices can be helpful in validating your perceptions of what should and should not have occurred, and can help you decide what next steps, if any, to take.

Remember that it is the impact of the behavior, not the intent, that is used to determine whether a behavior constitutes sexual harassment. There are no excuses for sexual harassment. It can feel demeaning and abusive, and is unacceptable. No one deserves to have his or her personal freedom and integrity violated. And no one needs to deal with the effects of harassment on their own.