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Tips

How to talk about sexual harassment

A collection of resources for survivors of harassment, people who want to stand with them, and companies who want to get this right.

Written by: Lean In
Last updated: June 5, 2026
Topics: Advocacy

For survivors, people who want to stand with them, and companies that want to get this right

We have a big problem

Thousands of women have courageously broken their silence and shined a light on how pervasive sexual harassment is across industries, from movie sets to military bases. It happens to people of all gender identities, and it happens most often to the people with the least power.

We need to take a stand, and survivors need support

We need to fight sexual harassment wherever it occurs. We need systemic change that deters bad behavior, rewards good behavior, holds wrongdoers accountable, and protects everyone. And we need to be there for each other. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment, know that you’re not alone—and that you deserve support.

60%

of women say they’ve been sexually harassed.1

Resources for individuals

Advice, information, and support for harassment survivors and for anyone who wants to help

Read Lean In Discussion Guides About Sexual Harassment

For survivors of harassment and for anyone who would like to talk about this issue with friends or colleagues—and isn’t sure where to start or what to say

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

How to know if you were harassed and advice on taking action—including what to expect if you make an internal or legal complaint

Read at the National Women's Law Center

Transgender Sexual Violence Survivors: A Self Help Guide to Healing and Understanding

Detailed self-care advice for transgender and gender nonconforming survivors of assault and harassment

Read at FORGE

Sheryl Sandberg on Sexual Harassment and Power

Facebook COO and Lean In founder Sheryl Sandberg shares her own harassment experiences and warns of a potential backlash against women

Read on Facebook

The National Discussion About Sexual Assault Has to Include Women of Color

Learn why we all need to hear the experiences of women of color who are doubly victimized by racism and sexual harassment

Read at Bustle

The TIME'S UP movement

Created by women in entertainment for women everywhere, TIME’S UP provides subsidized legal support for victims and aims to improve laws and policies.

Read at TIME’s UP

See all resources for individuals

Resources for companies

Actionable steps to reduce sexual harassment at your organization

The 3 Things That Make Organizations More Prone to Sexual Harassment

Learn three things companies do wrong and research-proven steps they can take to reduce harassment, including promoting more women and correcting hierarchy imbalances

Read at The Atlantic

Training Programs and Reporting Systems Won’t End Sexual Harassment. Promoting More Women Will

Read about the research showing that promoting more women will reduce harassment

Read at Harvard Business Review

TEDx Talk: The Power of Us: How We Stop Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is far more common in some workplaces than others. Stanford sociologist Marianne Cooper explains why

Watch the video

From #MeToo to Now What? 7 Actions That Could Actually Help Stop Sexual Harassment

Seven women CEOs propose next steps to address harassment, including encouraging bystanders to speak up, leaders to show zero tolerance, and third-party organizations to collect reports and investigate

Read at Fortune

The Omissions That Make So Many Sexual Harassment Policies Ineffective

Two simple changes that make your harassment guidelines stronger

Read at Harvard Business Review

Difficult Conversation: When the Harasser Is a Client

Learn how companies can push back on clients who sexually harass their employees

Read at The Wall Street Journal

Dealing With Sexual Harassment When Your Company Is too Small to Have HR

Read how small businesses can create a non-toxic work culture and strong policies on harassment

Read at Harvard Business Review

Sexual Harassment Is Pervasive in the Restaurant Industry. Here’s What Needs to Change

Learn the steps restaurants can take to protect their servers

Read at Harvard Business Review

Lean In discussion guides for small groups and Circles

For groups who are coming together to support one another in the face of sexual harassment

How to Talk About Sexual Harassment

Learn how to use attentive body language and be a good listener
Discover what to say and what not to say when someone discloses an experience of harassment
Practice sharing stories and responding with respect and compassion

Self-Care After Sexual Harassment

Understand what sexual harassment is and the harmful psychological effects it can cause
Write about and talk about your own experience of sexual harassment
Brainstorm self-care strategies and commit to incorporating them into your daily life