PanicStation.org
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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations repair person made sexual comments • tradesperson was sexually inappropriate • contractor said sexual things • plumber made creepy remarks • electrician made sexual jokes • handyman sexual comments • maintenance worker inappropriate comments • service provider harassment at home • sexual harassment by a business • i need repairs but feel unsafe • i still need access to my property • letting someone into my home feels unsafe • unwanted sexual remarks in my home • stranger in my house made comments • service visit made me uncomfortable • i rely on them for access • boundary crossing by worker • fear of retaliation from contractor • safety plan for home visit

What to do if…
someone you rely on for services or repairs makes sexual comments and you still need access to your home or property

Short answer

Prioritise your safety and control of access: do not let them return alone, and arrange an alternative route for repairs (a different person/company, or someone with you) before anything else.

Do not do these things

  • Do not let them into your home again “just to get it over with” if you feel unsafe or pressured.
  • Do not confront them in person inside your home or in a private space.
  • Do not accept “surprise visits” or agree to vague arrival windows that leave you isolated.
  • Do not delete messages, call logs, or appointment details if you might want to report or complain later.
  • Do not feel you have to report to police right now to justify refusing them access.

What to do now

  1. Make access safer immediately. If they are due to return soon, cancel or postpone and say you’re only available when another adult is present (you do not have to explain why).
  2. Switch the person/company if at all possible. If it’s a firm, contact the office (not the individual) and request a different worker. Ask that all future contact goes through the office and that the original person is not assigned to your address again.
  3. If you booked via a platform/agency, use their safety/complaints route. Ask for reassignment and for your details to be shared only as needed for the job (not directly with the original person).
  4. If you rent or live in managed housing, tell the landlord/agent in writing. Ask for a different contractor and to note on your account that you will only allow entry with prior notice and a specific named person.
  5. Put a “two-person rule” in place for any future visit. Have someone with you, or ask a neighbour/friend to be present. If that’s not possible, schedule the work for a time someone can be nearby and available by phone.
  6. Control the practicalities of entry. Keep doors locked until you verify who is there; don’t let them roam unaccompanied; keep keys/valuables/medication and personal paperwork out of sight; stay near an exit; keep your phone charged and on you.
  7. Create a simple record (for your own clarity). Write down date/time, what was said, and any witnesses. Save texts/emails/voicemails and the booking confirmation. (If you later decide to complain or report, this helps.)
  8. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999. If it’s not an emergency but you want advice or to report, call 101 or report online via your local police force.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether this “counts” as a crime or discrimination to take protective steps.
  • You do not need to write a detailed statement right now—short notes are enough.
  • You do not need to negotiate directly with the person who made the comments.

Important reassurance

Feeling shocked, embarrassed, angry, or frozen is a common reaction to sexual comments—especially in your own home. Wanting repairs done does not mean you have to tolerate behaviour that makes you feel unsafe.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise safety and access. If the situation continues, escalates, or affects your housing, you may want specialist support (housing advice, victim support, or legal advice) once you’re in a calmer place.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are in danger, call emergency services.

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