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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
your workplace is not responding to sexual harassment and the behaviour is getting worse

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Get to a safer pause first, then put the escalation in writing today and ask your workplace for temporary steps to stop contact while it is addressed.

Do not do these things

  • Do not put yourself in more one-to-one contact with the person to keep things quiet.
  • Do not agree to a private meeting with the person to “sort it out” if you feel pressured, unsafe, or the behaviour is getting worse.
  • Do not delete messages, emails, DMs, screenshots, or notes because you feel embarrassed or unsure.
  • Do not assume you must use an informal route first; serious or escalating behaviour can be raised formally.
  • Do not resign on the spot while panicked if you can avoid it. If you need to leave today to feel safe, leave the immediate situation and decide next steps later.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause first. If you feel in immediate danger, leave the area, move towards other people, and call 999 if you need urgent police help. If you are at work, ask a colleague you trust to stay with you while you move.

  2. Send a short written escalation today. Use the named reporting route in your harassment, dignity at work, grievance, or HR policy if you can find it quickly. If you cannot, contact HR, a trusted senior manager, or another named reporting contact who is not involved.

  3. Say clearly that the behaviour is escalating. Keep it brief: who is involved, what happened, when and where it happened, any witnesses, what you already reported, and that the behaviour or contact is continuing or worsening.

  4. Ask for temporary safety measures in writing. Ask what they can put in place now while they look into it. You can ask for measures such as no one-to-one meetings, no direct contact, different shifts or work locations if possible, a different reporting line, accompanied access onsite, or keeping the person away from your immediate work area.

  5. Ask for a written reply. Ask them to confirm who is handling it, when you should expect an update, and what temporary safety measures they will put in place now.

  6. Keep a record you control. In a private document, note dates, times, locations, what was said or done, witnesses, and how you reported it. Avoid using a shared work device if you are worried about access. Save relevant messages or screenshots somewhere secure and keep originals unchanged.

  7. If the workplace response still stalls, raise a formal grievance in writing. Say: “I am raising a formal grievance about sexual harassment, escalating behaviour, and the lack of timely protective action.” Repeat the temporary safety measures you are asking for.

  8. Bring in support for workplace contact. If you have a trade union, contact your representative and ask for help with messages and meetings. For a formal grievance meeting, ask for a trade union representative or workplace companion. For informal contact, ask whether a trusted colleague can be present.

  9. Get confidential advice or specialist support alongside workplace steps. You do not have to report to the police to get support. Acas can explain workplace options. A specialist sexual violence support service can help you steady yourself and think through what feels safe.

  10. If you may want to report later, preserve only what feels manageable and safe. Keep relevant messages, emails, objects, or notes as they are if you can. Do not edit originals.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to report to police, start a legal claim, resign, or stay long term.
  • You do not need to write a perfect statement; a short written escalation asking for immediate safety measures is enough for now.
  • You do not need to confront the person or seek an apology.
  • You do not need to tell colleagues anything beyond what you choose to share.
  • You do not need to understand every legal route today. Time limits can matter later, so get advice soon if you are considering an external claim, but the immediate task is safety and a written escalation.

Important reassurance

Many people feel shaky, sick, numb, angry, or blank when harassment escalates and the response feels slow. You are allowed to ask for practical steps that reduce contact and make the next shift or working day safer.

Scope note

These are first steps only: reduce immediate contact, create a clear written record, and get support. Later decisions about formal processes, time off, external complaints, settlement, police reporting, or legal advice may need specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, therapeutic, financial, or other professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can seek support without being forced into reporting to police.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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